A Conservative MP in Somerset has slammed the proposed new 100-ball cricket tournament as a "gimmick" and described the decision to overlook the South West as "ridiculous".

James Heappey, the MP for Wells, took to Twitter to have his say on the competition, which is due to begin next year.

The men's teams will be based in eight cities and introduces a fourth format to go alongside T20, 50-over and First Class (County Championship) cricket.

The franchise team in this region is set to be called Western Fire and the men's side will be based in Cardiff.

The other men's teams will play in Birmingham, Southampton, Manchester, Leeds and Nottingham, with two teams in London based at Lord's and the Kia Oval.

Taunton and Bristol will host matches in the women's 'Hundred', which will take over from the successful Kia Super League, won yesterday for the second time by Westcountry franchise Western Storm.

Heappey said: "In the last six weeks the nation has been captivated by two oldest cricket formats.

"Really hoping @ECB_cricket thinks again about Hundred gimmick.

"And if they really can’t, then at least reconsiders putting a franchise in the South West - birthplace of 1/5th of [England's] Ashes heroes.

"It is ridiculous that such a successful cricketing region should be left out of the new format altogether.

"And cricket fans here given the choice of travelling to Birmingham, Southampton or Cardiff.

"Not sure the parents of the next Jack Leach or Jos Buttler will bother.

"Perhaps our awesome new sports minister and cricket uber-fan @nadams [Nigel Adams] can twist some arms at @ECB_cricket HQ?? (Please)."

The tournament has proven divisive since its inception, with many existing cricket fans (and some players) insistent that a new format for the game is not required and that introducing such a competition risks the long-term future of the 18 First Class counties.

The ECB insist a new tournament is necessary to introduce a new audience to the game and, in February, chief executive Tom Harrison said: “Over the last three years we have worked closely with the whole game to create an important opportunity for the whole game.

“This new competition has already helped to secure vital new partnerships and substantial broadcast revenues and it will help us to meet the ambitions of our game-wide strategy for 2020-24 – Inspiring Generations.

"The Hundred will help cricket to reach more people.

“We remain totally committed to the existing, popular forms of cricket and will be committing significant funds and focus to all levels of the game, protecting and nurturing the core whilst reaching out to a wider audience.”