Labour MP Mark Peck has let down his Invercargill constituents and shown contempt for voters, ACT MP Gerry Eckhoff said today.

"Mr Peck electioneered on a promise to improve Southland Hospital and retain Elm Court for elderly care. Now he seems to be the only person in the Deep South who has forgotten that pledge.

Speaking about Elm Court yesterday, Mr Peck stated: 'I don't think I absolutely, categorically said we'd keep it open'.

Electioneering in 1999, he promised: 'Labour has made a clear commitment to keeping Elm Court open'. Mr Peck even handed over a petition to Southern Health calling for Elm Court to be kept open.

"The Government won't give Elm Court any help, and the Southland District Health Board is looking at converting it into a mental health facility. Mr Peck would sooner ship the elderly out to other parts of the country than honour a clear promise he made in 1999.

"Mr Peck's turnaround is disgusting to all those people who took him at his word," Mr Eckhoff said.

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