“Go now before you do any more damage”, is the message Barry Gardiner has issued to the prime minister as part of his New Year wishes.

The Labour MP for Brent North told the Times he would urge David Cameron to step down if he was given one minute alone with him.

Mr Gardiner, who was appointed shadow minister for energy and climate change just before Christmas, said the government should be held to account for cuts to the flood defences in light of the recent extreme weather in the North East that forced hundreds of people to flee their homes.

He said: “The government must be held to account for its cuts to flood defences.”

Mr Gardiner said he will challenge the government this year over cuts to local authority budgets (Brent Council needs to save £95million) and the lack of available and affordable housing.

He will also be looking into solutions to help solve ecological issues and continue to lobby on behalf of his constituents.

“I’ll continue to help my when they’re in difficulty and in need of support,” he said.

“I wish them all health, peace in their hearts, and a determination to pursue a worthwhile goal.”

The full interview is in the Times which is out on Thursday.