Tories deny they ‘approved’ MP’s controversial tweet

THE Conservatives have rejected claims they approved Andrew Bridgen’s controversial tweet comparing Covid-19 vaccines to the Holocaust.

The North West Leicestershire MP made the allegation after insisting he was “made an example of” due to his views.

Mr Bridgen made the claims on Sunday when appearing on GB News’ Free Speech Nation, following the tweet he posted in January which said vaccines were “the biggest crime against humanity since the Holocaust”.

He alleged the words, a quote from a Jewish professor, were approved by several people, including North West Leicestershire Conservative Association chairman Leon Spence.

In response, North West Leicestershire Conservative spokesman Robert Ashman said: “It is deeply regrettable Mr Bridgen has attempted to apportion blame for his social media content on an employee rather than take responsibility himself for his blue tick social media accounts.”

During Mr Bridgen’s GB News interview, the MP claimed he did not have access to his own Twitter account. The Tories dismissed this.

Mr Ashman said: “Mr Bridgen claimed he has never had access to his Twitter (pass)codes. This is incorrect.

“Documentary evidence shows Mr Bridgen has asked for access to his Twitter password on a number of occasions going back more than a year.”

Since last year, Mr Bridgen has become a more vocal critic of vaccines and their safety. He has backed unsubstantiated claims Covid-19 was created by American health official

Anthony Fauci, but was repeatedly warned for spreading misinformation in the House of Commons by its leader, Penny Mordaunt.

Last month, the controversial tweet saw Mr Bridgen expelled from the Conservatives after being initially suspended by the party.

He claimed the tweet had been moderated by his staff, as were all his other posts.

Mr Ashman said: “Mr Bridgen claims his social media posts are moderated by staff members.

It is our understanding moderation does not take place. However, his tweets are checked for regular spelling and grammar errors.”

The MP, who officially joined the Reclaim Party yesterday, has vowed to continue speaking out about alleged vaccine harms.