Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely generally uses his Twitter channel as a broadcast mechanism, to push and promote what he does.
It’s rare that Bob replies to Tweets, but he may be regretting doing just that today after replying to a tweet from Sam Coates, Deputy Political Editor at Sky News. It’s resulted in a backlash of monumental proportions (well, for Bob that is).
Almost 900 replies
Sam Coates tweeted a segment from Bob’s statement about why he voted in favour of Boris Johnson during last night’s vote of confidence.
At time of publishing, Sam’s tweet has resulted in more than 880 replies, attracted over 3,700 likes and has been retweeted more than 2,300 times.
Why the attention?
Sam had included in his tweet,
“Tory MP tells constituents he voted for Boris Johnson after securing a review into funding for his local council.”
And highlighted the following text from Bob Seely’s statement:
“I talked again with ministers about why a fair funding package has not yet been forthcoming for the Isle of Wight Council. I have been assured they will look at this again and will do so in the very near future”
For your information
Bob seemingly took exception to this and replied,
“Sam, FYI, promise of support to IW Council made 3 years ago to me by PM, about which I reminded Gov’t yesterday. I’m making sure Gov’t delivers for my constituents. I’m doing my job as the Island’s MP, putting my people first. Unashamed to do so. It’s my job.”
The fact that Bob pointed out the promise was made three years ago and it was still not delivered on, drew even more attention – much of it unwanted, we suspect.
No.10: Funding not directly allocated by ministers
It may all be in vain, as the BBC report,
“Downing Street said funding was not directly allocated by ministers” and “Asked about Mr Seely’s comments, the PM’s spokesman said money for local areas was decided by a process run by civil servants.”
Tweets
A selection of the tweets can be found below.
@warren_oates said:
If it’s been three years and there still is no funding, either your not doing a good job of putting your constituents first, or the government cannot be trusted on the promises they make. Either way, it’s not good…
@i_am_k_cooper said:
I used to have a friend who would say things like “He does love me I shouldn’t have *put excuse here* ” or “he does love me I just need give him his space when he gets in from work” This tweet has the same energy! 🤔
@burnerstreaming said:
THREE years ago? Three YEARS ago ?? You’re making sure Govt delivers for your constituents by waiting 3 years before chasing up the PM for their funding, and you claim to be doing your job ?
@sebbach101 said:
Let me get this right. You backed the PM yesterday despite him promising something for your constituents 3-years ago and has thus far failed to deliver? You should be ashamed Mr Seely.
@Rich_gunter said:
“I sent you the cheque last week, have you not received it yet?”
Mate…
@nelltoo said:
Olympic level response time on twitter when there’s a journalist involved Bob. You NEVER engage with your constituents at all on this platform. Curious eh?
@SavingSuedotcom said:
I think if I had been waiting for 3 years for a delivery I would have asked for a full refund by now.
@terrycarus said:
So-promised money 3 year ago, didn’t materialise, then on day U vote on whether U had confidence in @BorisJohnson they suddenly agreed to look again & U fell for it….. TIP-if U receive e mail asking for Bank Details so that U can be credited with millions from abroad, ignore it
@hunting_sam said:
So the PM has been stringing you along for 3 years and did so again to get you to vote for him. You’re correct in saying it’s your job to put your constituents first however your own words show that you’re failing to deliver for them.
@TheMcfluffy said:
If you do get the support you were promised now youve set yourself a precedent where they know they can keep you waiting for years getting more &more out of you before giving what they promised. Assuming they do actually come through this time. If they dont will you draw a line?
@AndyFla said:
They say the most difficult thing to do once you have been conned is admit it to yourself
He will not come through with the funds, he is just milking you for more support
And you have kept him in power for a bit longer at the expense of you honour and integrity
@22_Gilly said:
The promise of support to the IOW “3 years ago” was made by a different PM then? But you only chose *yesterday* to confirm that promise…? In other words, you’re actually confirming that your support yesterday to Johnson specifically was conditional on that funding promise…
Image: Freestocks under CC BY 2.0
