HARROW'S health services are facing “massive cuts” because of a £32m black hole in their budget, Tory politicians have warned.

Conservative candidates Bob Blackman and Rachel Joyce have pointed to the multimillion pound deficit in NHS Harrow's budget as an indication that Labour are “mismanaging” the NHS.

Mr Blackman, who is standing in Harrow East, said: “Despite Labour’s claims to champion the NHS, these figures show how Harrow residents are facing significant cuts in healthcare spending on Labour’s watch.

“These are Labour’s NHS spending cuts.

“Harrow residents are facing cuts to their local healthcare services because Labour has mismanaged the NHS and failed to properly fund Harrow’s healthcare needs.”

NHS Harrow's current financial situation was exposed in trust papers released yesterday, and show health chiefs are hoping to defer repayment of a £5.3m loan from NHS London until next year and get an additional £11.2m to ease its financial woes.

The Tories argue even if it is able to do this, cuts in healthcare spending are inevitable, but Labour accused their rivals of “scaremongering” to score political points.

Tony McNulty, who is vying to retain his Harrow East seat, said: “The notion that somehow Labour is letting down the people of Harrow is complete and utter nonsense.

“I am satisfied there has been a high level of spending on healthcare over the last 13 years, but that doesn't mean the NHS shouldn't live within its means and get value for money.

“Our job as local politicians is not to scaremonger as the Conservatives are doing, but to ensure frontline services are protected.”

Both parties have fought over the last few weeks to make pledges on health care services. Labour candidates argue that the Tories are planning deep cuts to public services, but the Rachel Joyce, candidate for Harrow West, has pledged year on year increases in NHS spending under the Conservatives.

NHS Harrow has had long-standing problems with its finances, but Mr McNulty added the financial situation “does not reflect on the current leadership” which he said he has absolute confidence to deal with the deficit.