Civil Service Twitter account calls PM a ‘truth-twister’
A POST on the Civil Service Twitter account accused Boris Johnson of being an “arrogant, offensive truth-twister” after the press conference during which he defended his chief adviser.
A tweet from the account read: “Arrogant and offensive. Can you imagine having to work with these truth-twisters?” The statement remained live for nine minutes, during which time it received 30,000 retweets.
It was not clear whether the account had been hacked, or whether the message was posted by a disgruntled member of the service.
A spokesman for the Government confirmed that an investigation was under way.
“An unauthorised tweet was posted on a government channel this evening,” the spokesman said. “The post has been removed and we are investigating the matter.” Some MPS enjoyed the spectacle, however.
The SNP’S Martyn Day, who represents Linlithgow and East Falkirk, wrote: “I’m sure that whoever at the UK Civil Service followed their instincts this evening will have the Prime Minister and the Cabinet’s full support. “Not all heroes wear capes.” Rupa Huq, the Labour MP for Ealing Central and Acton, wrote: “Now you see it, now you don’t. Our world beating Civil Service’s cry for help … until it was deleted.” Wes Streeting, the Labour MP for Ilford North, asked: “Perhaps the Cabinet secretary could get around to investigating the more serious matter of Dominic Cummings?”
Celebrities including Gary Lineker, the Match of the Day presenter, and author JK Rowling posted in support of the person behind the tweet.
Mr Johnson defended Mr Cummings for travelling to Durham for childcare during the lockdown when his wife developed symptoms of coronavirus.