A WHARFEDALE MP’s fun-focused Christmas card has sparked some unexpected reactions.

Alex Sobel (Lab, Leeds North West) wanted his card this year to provide a bit of ‘light relief’ from all the serious political matters of the past 12 months.

Its design seems harmless enough and uses a photo of the MP crouching beside two white husky dogs - edited to add a Santa hat and snowy background.

The card, however, has attracted a wave of criticism on social media including on the Otley - Our Town and Yeadon - Our Community Facebook pages.

Paula Barrett posted: “Seriously what on earth is this all about from Alex Sobel?” and went on to describe it as ‘the worst Christmas card I’ve ever seen’.

“It’s appalling- I’d love to know who funded this utter tat!”

Anne Ridgway said: “I am still thinking it’s a wind up? The whole country in disarray and this is the Labour Christmas card?!

“Is it actually the card?”

Others questioned the decision-making behind the design, with Christine Hathaway Phillips calling for the person who decided it was appropriate to send out to be sacked.

Not all of the comments were negative, though. Lydia Wharton said: “Love it! He seems to be quite self-aware”, while Matt Podd posted: “Very Happy to receive it. Glad Alex is our MP. Best wishes to him.”

Emily Charlotte Hatley added: “It made my day!”

Paid for with funds raised by the local Labour Party and hand delivered by the MP and party members, the card’s production and distribution involved no public money.

The photograph it uses was taken on an environment study trip Mr Sobel (as a member of the Environmental Audit Committee) made to Norway in the summer to see the effects of global warming on the Arctic ice shelf.

Mr Sobel said: “I send out thousands of letters and emails every week on very serious subjects.

“There’s a lot of complex casework as people are really struggling at the moment, and the Brexit issue continues to divide the country.

“It was a pleasure to be able to send out some light relief and Christmas cheer for a change!

“With hindsight, a brief explanation that the image was based on a photo linked to my campaigning on environmental issues might have avoided some of the criticism.

“That said, the information inside about my contact details and local surgeries makes it a card worth keeping handy, and there is a letter which demonstrates the work I have done locally and nationally in the first year as your MP.

“Once again, I’d like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas!”