Make Robin Walker a minister, says former British diplomat

Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles says if he keeps the Worcester seat at the General Election, Mr Walker should be made the nation's first minister for responsible lending after his campaign on loan sharks.

The backing is a boost to the Conservative, who has spent much of his last five years in parliament highlighting the practices of 'rip-off' payday lenders.

Sir Cowper-Coles made his remarks during a special credit conference in Birmingham on Tuesday, where he called for the Government to appoint someone to oversee "financial inclusion".

The retired diplomat, Britain's former special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, is now a senior advisor to HSBC's chief executive.

Mr Walker was also at the conference, giving a speech on responsible lending and the role society has to play in that.

"A lot of cross-party work has gone on over this and I made the point that the campaign has not been political," he said.

"I also talked about how technology can strengthen the hand of the regulators and told the story about Black Pear (credit union) falling over but how other unions have come in to pick it up."

Back in 2011, the old Black Pear Savings and Loans went bust in Worcester after customers ran off without paying their money back.

But Six Towns now has an office up and running in Lowesmoor and a second one, Castle & Crystal, is operating in the city.

Since he became an MP Mr Walker says he's been concerned about the amount of Worcester residents contacting him over debt issues, which sparked his efforts.

Some payday lenders have levied interest rates as high as 1,000 per cent.

Mr Walker said he "did enjoy" the backing of Sir Cowper-Coles, who said Mr Walker's efforts in recent years makes him the ideal candidate for such a ministerial position.

The conference was organised by Responsible Credit, and independent think tank and research centre on lending and debt issues across the country.