A CONSERVATIVE minister is facing criticism for recommending £170 champagne to tackle Covid-19 lockdown blues.

Christopher Pincher, the MP for Tamworth and a housing minister, suggested members of the public see off the “rotten” 2020 with the expensive bottle of booze.

Currently there are more than half a million people in Britain living in rent arrears or temporary accommodation.

Writing in The Critic magazine Pincher said people should avoid traditional Dom Perignon champagne and try Krug Grand Cru Cuvee, which at £170 he said is “ideal for lifting the spirit and lighting up a darkening winter afternoon”.

READ MORE: 'Devastating' Covid restrictions dawn as Scotland enters lockdown 2.0

He went on: "So, if you have the chance, or the wherewithal to buy a bottle, these bubbles will brighten your family bubble and provide an alternative vaccine until the real thing provides more permanent inoculation against the memory of last year."

Mike Amesbury, Labour’s shadow housing and planning minister, hit out at the MP over the comments.

The National:

"With every dot and comma of this column, Chris Pincher has shown how truly out of touch and breathtakingly arrogant he is,” the MP said.

"While leaseholders were having sleepless nights about how they would find thousands of pounds to make their flats safe from dangerous cladding and more than half a million in rent arrears or temporary accommodation struggling to make ends, the housing minister was recommending they buy bottles of champagne costing £170.

READ MORE: Wee Ginger Dug: Tories made their choice ... now it’s Scotland’s turn

"Chris Pincher should be fixing the massive problems facing leaseholders and those in desperate need of good quality, affordable and truly sustainable housing, not writing articles about luxury wines."

A spokesperson for Pincher declined to comment.

The SNP have been contacted for comment.