AN MP has called for the resignation of Greater Anglia’s boss during a debate in parliament.

Rayleigh and Wickford MP Mark Francois said Jamie Burles should step down due to continuing poor service between Southend Victoria and London Liverpool Street.

During the adjournment debate in the House of Commons, Mark Francois raised his concerns with the regularly poor service, weekend and late week day evening track closures and the management of the line by Abellio Greater Anglia and Network Rail.

Commenting on his debate, Mr Francois said: “After years of Abellio’s poor management and a shoddy service to my constituents, who they have taken for granted for too long, I have had enough. I believe that the only way for Abellio to improve the service on the line is under new management and therefore I took the heavy decision to call on Mr Burles to resign as the Managing Director.

“Rail services to my constituency need to urgently improve and I hope that the Rail Minister Jo Johnson will look into all the concerns that I will raise with him in today’s debate.”

Mr Francois was left exasperated by news that engineering work on the line will be extended from late 2019 to spring 2022.

During a meeting with Greater Anglia managing director Jamie Burles at the Conservative Party Conference, Mr Francois asked Abellio to offer his constituents some form of compensation when they renew their season ticket.

After being informed that a discount would not be possible, Mr Francois has called for Mr Burles’ resignation with the hope that new management will improve performance and respect their customers.

Mr Francois also criticised the management of Network Rail for their handling of the current track overhead re-wiring project which will have taken them nearly five years to complete 30 miles.

He called for reunification of train and track, to form regional railway companies and end the “blame game” between Network Rail and the rail companies.