Brighton’s Labour MPs say taxpayers are “paying the price” for the i360’s.

Peter Kyle and Chris Ward shared their sadness after Brighton i360 Ltd announced its intention to appoint administrators to look towards a sale of the landmark.

The MPs also criticised the Green Party for their role in the financing of the structure and the ensuing £51 million debt the city council has been left with.

Hove MP Mr Kyle, also the Government's science, technology and innovation secretary, said: "The Green Party have left us another West Pier - a decaying structure, no one can use - and I'm sad and angry all at the same time.

Peter Kyle MPPeter Kyle MP (Image: Supplied)

"We told them when they were planning to erect it that their figures didn't add up, and residents made it clear they didn't want it, but as usual they didn't listen and now we are all paying the price. Literally, the £50 million price."

Brighton i360 Ltd announced its intention to appoint administrators on Thursday morning, leaving behind £51 million in debt.

The company’s chairwoman, i360 architect Julia Barfield, cited a downturn in consumer spending as a result of “unfavourable” weather conditions and the cost-of-living crisis for the decision.

Politicians have shared their sadness at the loss of the landmark which stands above the remnants of Brighton’s West Pier.

Kemptown MP Chris Ward said: "The i360 fiasco stands as a monument of the Green Party’s failure in Brighton and Hove. Their reckless gamble with taxpayers' money has left the city burdened with a £51 million debt - a sum that could have been invested in improving schools, housing, the environment, and vital public services.

Chris Ward MPChris Ward MP (Image: Supplied)

"This is a sad day for our city, particularly those who have had their jobs impacted by the news. The £51m debt we now have to pay will be a constant reminder of the Green's time in administration."

Green group leader Cllr Steve Green said that the i360 had done much to regenerate a “long-neglected” part of the city, adding there was a “collective responsibility for both the positives and downsides to this investment in our city”.