Worthing MP Peter Bottomley said he knew nothing about Norwich Union's decision to axe 660 jobs and leave its Broadwater office.
Mr Bottomley, MP for Worthing West, said neither he nor East Worthing MP Tim Loughton had been spoken to before today's shock announcement.
"It is a shock and a tragedy," said Mr Bottomley. "First of all, I haven't heard officially. In the past, Norwich Union would talk to me in advance even if they were making changes that didn't affect Worthing.
"I deeply regret we haven't been consulted or informed in advance.
"This is a devastating blow to the staff. Many of them will have made their plans on the basis they could rely on the assurance of future employment at The Warren.
"It's bad for Worthing."
"I hope that if Norwich Union do close there, that it will go on being a site for employment, rather than move to housing."
Mr Bottomley's sentiments were echoed by Worthing Council chief executive Ian Lowrie, who said: "We are all shocked and very disappointed that they are closing and the council will do everything it can to protect Worthing's economy."
Lib Dem shadow cabinet member for regeneration, Bob Smytherman, has called for an urgent cross-party meeting to discuss how the council can help those affected by the news.
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