Russia poll bots claim ‘ludicrous’ say Labour
LABOUR have denied claims that thousands of Russian Twitter accounts were used to rally support for the party at last year’s general election.
An investigation claimed to have identified 6500 Russian accounts tweeting supportive messages for Labour, while denigrating the Conservatives.
It said many of the accounts, masquerading under female English names, were “bots” programmed to bombard voters with orchestrated political messages.
Shadow chancellor John McDonnell said the “farcical” claims made in a Sunday newspaper were a “classic smear”.
He claimed similar tactics were used to attack Neil Kinnock when he was Labour leader before the 1992 general election.
McDonnell added: “This is ludicrous. If there is an issue here about anything (to do with) Russian influence in our society, it is Russian oligarchs funding the Tory Party.”
The Sunday Times said its investigation was conducted in conjunction with Swansea University.
The newspaper said the bots retweeted publicity for Jeremy Corbyn’s rallies, amplified criticism of Theresa May over police cuts following the Manchester Arena bombing and sent messages urging Labour supporters to vote.
Culture Secretary Matt Hancock described the findings as “extremely concerning”.