Labour MP forced to apologise over grim comments she 'deeply regrets’
More headaches for Sir Keir Starmer's party as parliamentarian Lauren Edwards says sorry after old tweets resurfaced.
A newly elected Labour MP has been forced to apologise after old tweets containing xenophobic comments emerged.
Lauren Edwards, who was elected as MP for Rochester and Strood a month ago, said she “deeply regrets” her posts from 15 years ago, which also included claims she assaulted a homeless man and a jibe against former Tory leader William Hague.
Among the tweets were one which said: “I want these f***ing Estonian retards out of my flat now!”
Another expressed disgust at a “halal Pakistani Chinese Grill place” in Walthamstow, which her friend texted to her, adding: “Hope he’s not suggesting we go there.”
A third included a bizarre boast that she had assaulted a homeless man, which read: “Annoyed - card shop was shut and then drunk homeless man deliberately barged me in [Covent Garden]. Big mistake, gave him a massive elbow to the ribs.”
Another alluding to rumours about Lord Hague’s sexuality read: “Hague’s wife’s miscarriages have nothing to do with the Spad story. Completely unnecessary to mention it. Is it meant to prove he’s not gay?”
She also described Vladimir Putin’s topless horseriding photos as “gay calendar material”.
Ms Edwards, who has a 2,293 majority in her Kent constituency, has now said that she “deeply regrets” the posts.
In a statement, she tweeted: “They were a significant error of judgement on my part, and I apologise wholeheartedly.
“Since becoming a local councillor and more recently an MP, I have seen first-hand the importance of bringing communities together and working with tolerance and respect for all in our society.
“I pledge to use my platform to continue that important work and dedicate myself to serving all residents of Rochester and Strood.”
Don't miss...
Keir Starmer to chair third COBRA meeting as he vows fresh riot crackdown [LATEST]
Jewish group accuse police of letting Islamist extremism go unchallenged [EXCLUSIVE]
Robert Jenrick says anyone shouting ‘Allahhu Akbar’ should be instantly arrested [LATEST]
Her Tory predecessor, who lost the seat at the General Election, said she was “shocked” by the victor’s comments.
Kelly Tolhurst, who represented the seat for nine years, said she was “shocked and concerned by the views held by Lauren Edwards that have come to light”.
Ms Tolhurst added: “She had no concern airing them publicly when working for a Labour MP, only deleting them after public pressure.
“Holding these divisive and unpleasant views, she now represents our towns and community.”
Left-wingers compared the treatment by Labour of Ms Edwards and ousted candidate Faiza Shaheen, who they claim had been de-selected as a candidate for liking a controversial video clip.
Others pointed out that while Ms Edwards tried to downplay the comments for being “over a decade ago”, she was 27 at the time she made them.
The Newham Independents group of candidates demanded that she have the whip removed.
