Cheeky portrait of High Peak MP in Oliver Twist scene raises nearly £1,200 for food bank

The remarkable work was created by stencil artist James Degnen (better known as ‘Deggy’) as a reference to the MP's controversial vote over the extension of free school meals during holidays.

It comes after many constituents reacted in uproar when - in October - the MP failed to back a Parliamentary motion offering free school meal vouchers during school holidays until Easter 2021.

Deggy, 27, started work on the canvas after the MP posted a competition on Facebook inviting constituency children to design Christmas cards.

Branding the MP’s competition ‘a cheek’, the artist said: “The fact that he voted the way he did but now he wants kids to do him a favour - so I thought ‘Ok, I’ll design one myself’.”

After the raffle – raising money for Glossopdale Foodbank – was announced High Peak MP Robert thanked Deggy for his work helping the charity, adding “I will be buying 50 raffle tickets myself”.

On Friday last week Deggy posted a video of the raffle draw on Facebook - announcing the winner as Maria Hourigan.

Speaking about the draw Deggy said lucky winner Maria was ‘absolutely buzzing’, adding: “She said she’s never won anything in her life.”

Deggy told how, as promised, the MP had spent £250 on raffle tickets - though unfortunately he was not the winner.

Cash Converters worker Deggy said: “I was just glad he was decent enough to do it - he paid £250 in which is very fair to be honest. It was good of him.”

Pop art inspired-Deggy, who also plays bass in Manchester band Gorilla Riot, said: “It’s a pretty decent amount of money and I think it’ll do a lot of good at this time to help people in need.

“The community really got behind this and it was local people who raised this money - I just painted a picture to get my point across.”

Speaking about his work artist, musician and live music promoter Deggy told how the work was inspired by pop art from the 70s and 80s.

He said: “I’ve been a stencil artist since I was at school - but it’s a style which is always frowned upon from an academic point of view.

“Art itself doesn’t influence me though - it’s more about whatever's going on that I can turn into something cool.”

Robert Largan, reacting to Deggy’s work and comments last month, said: "Much as we disagree on how it should be remedied Deggy raises a vitally important issue - I have also personally volunteered at local food banks.

"I believe a more local approach is a more effective way of getting support to the most vulnerable than a temporary voucher scheme that governments of all parties have repeatedly rejected.

“I know that Conservative-led Derbyshire Council have been leading the way with programmes to help vulnerable families locally.”

You can see more of Deggy’s work or contact him for any commissions at www.facebook.com/watch/Deggygorillariot/​​​​​​​.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.