The BBC remake of Poldark may have boosted tourism in Cornwall – but it has apparently also sparked 'cakey tea wars'.
According to Steve Double, the MP for St Austell and Newquay, the drama based on the novels of Winston Graham has given Cornish tourism a 'huge boos'.
But he told fellow MPs in the House of Commons the revival of the traditional Cornish tea had led to increased competition in the area – and it’s apparently his duty to sample them and decide which is best.
Making his maiden speech, he said: “There’s no doubt that Poldark has been a huge boost to the local Cornish tourist industry.
(Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP)
“But it’s also produced a revival of a much-loved Cornish tradition – that of cakey tea.
“I’m told today in our local newspaper – the St Austell Voice – cakey tea wars have now broken out between Fowey and Mevagissey.
“Of course, as the newly elected Member of Parliament I feel it is only my duty to sample both and decide for myself which is the best.”
Double also said he was perhaps one of the few Tories to be happy when attempts to change constituency boundaries failed during the coalition years.
@stevedouble what a legend! Bringing #CakeyTea to Parliament #@globefowey pic.twitter.com/HZm5B6jsTX
— Glynn Wellington (@Chefwellyboots) June 3, 2015
He said: “The constituency of St Austell and Newquay was actually a new constituency in 2010.
“And for a while it was thought my predecessor (Liberal Democrat) Stephen Gilbert was going to be in fact the only Member of Parliament for St Austell and Newquay as ours was a constituency that – had the boundary changes gone through – would have been lost.
“So I suspect I am probably one of only a very few members of our party who was actually quite grateful the changes didn’t go through as I would not have had a seat to contest at this election.”
