Newcastle MP is pleased with more scrutiny into NUFC's economic impacts

Newcastle Central MP Chi Onwurah says she's please an accounting firm is looking at the economic impact of Mike Ashley's ownership of Newcastle United,

A few months ago, the MP called for greater transparency in ownership of football clubs - her petition drew an angry response from the Magpies owner.

He said she's trying to paint him as a pantomime villain - and her claims over a run down training ground were untrue.

Today Chi says she's received a response from the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to her letter regarding the ownership of Newcastle United Football Club.

Chi’s letter raised questions about the financial transparency of NUFC following on from Chi’s petition on football club ownership and Mike Ashley’s letter to the Secretary of State defending his ownership of the club.

Chi said:

“I welcome the Secretary of State’s letter which responds to several of my concerns regarding NUFC and club ownership more generally.”

“As the petition said, football is an integral part of our city’s social and cultural wellbeing and the concerns of fans need to be taken seriously. I’m pleased that the Secretary of State’s letter recognised this.”

“I would welcome comments from constituents as I prepare my response to the Government on these important issues which I still believe need action.

She says she welcomes the response of the Secretary of State and is considering what further action to take.

We've reached out to Newcastle United for a statement.