A RESTAURANT owner has slammed Colchester MP Sir Bob Russell for labelling his business as “dodgy”.

Tony Cole, who runs Number Nine, in North Hill, hit back at the veteran MP after he used parliamentary privilege yesterday to accuse Mr Cole of using “dodgy financial gymnastics” in order to reopen the fine dining restaurant, having originally closed it owing hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Because Sir Bob made the statement in parliament, he cannot be sued.

During business questions in parliament, Sir Bob asked for a change in law so failed business owners who have outstanding debts would not be able to re-open debt-free using a different name.

Mr Cole said: “I have been advised by the most respected of liquidation accountants and have complied with every single piece of current legislation."