AN MP slammed the "lamentable" leadership of a top Green councillor who was caught flying to COP26 - comparing him to Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Peter Kyle said the leader of Brighton and Hove City Council leader should not be surprised by public outrage after he flew to Glasgow the same day he criticised the government for a "lack of action" over climate change.

The Labour MP for Hove and Portslade slammed Phelim Mac Cafferty, who yesterday admitted the mistake after The Argus questioned how he got to the climate conference.

He told The Argus: "His record as the leader has been lamentable. He cannot be surprised by the reaction of people.

"If he acts like Boris Johnson, he will be treated like Boris Johnson, and that is with disbelief and contempt."

Cllr Mac Cafferty, leader of the city’s Green Party, unreservedly apologised for taking the flight of around 1 hour 20 minutes - saying he had been worried his train might be cancelled.

Green MP Caroline Lucas was also in Glasgow for the conference but confirmed to The Argus that she had travelled by train.

Cllr Mac Cafferty said he had been “concerned about the unreliability of the rail network” which previously left people struggling to get to COP26.

At the end of last month, operators from the east and west coast mainlines advised against people travelling from London to Glasgow amid stormy weather across the UK.

Cllr Mac Cafferty added: “I reluctantly took this very difficult decision because I was concerned about the unreliability of the rail network following the well-publicised difficulties experienced by many people wanting to travel by train to Glasgow the week before, when trains were cancelled.

“I was concerned that this would happen again and I felt it was important not to miss the opportunity to attend the important presentation on behalf of the city, lobby world leaders and share with others the innovative work taking place in Brighton and Hove.

“I paid for my own transport and all associated costs. I am not getting paid for any of the speeches I am making or meetings I am attending and I am otherwise working from Glasgow.

“Transport contributes a large portion of carbon emissions, all significant journeys we make have an effect on our climate. I will be offsetting the carbon cost of my journey.

“I will be taking my return journey on train. Again, I apologise unreservedly.”