Conservative MP and former work and pensions secretary Esther McVey has sparked outrage online after she said she was part of a “compassionate Conservative government”.
As tensions run high in the run-up to the vote on Theresa May’s Brexit Deal, people on Twitter didn’t take too kindly to McVey’s comment on BBC Radio 4's Today programme.
After resigning from Theresa May’s government in November, saying the prime minister’s Brexit deal “does not honour the result of the referendum”, McVey has expressed some controversial opinions on Brexit.
The MP for Tatton has said that the UK is prepared for a no-deal Brexit and has described other MPs as “arch Remainers” who want to “turn around the vote of the people”.
During her time as secretary for work and pensions, McVey was heavily criticised for her department's troubled roll-out of Universal Credit. And eventually she was forced to admit that some people would be worse off on the one size fits all benefits system.
As one of the more unpopular Tory MPs, McVey's claim that she is a "compassionate conservative" didn't go down well on Twitter.
I’ve just heard Esther McVey describe herself as a ‘compassionate conservative’ on #BBCRadio4 I literally just choked on my tea 🙄— Genevieve Frorath (@Genevieve Frorath) 1547450009
Spent the last 10 minutes coaxing the dog down from the conservatory roof. My fault, should have muted Esther McVey. @BBCBreakfast— Peter Smith (@Peter Smith) 1547450844
Esther McVey and Liam fox are trending. My feelings about anything they have to say is represented here. #Brexit https://t.co/t92L3D2i3d— Matt (@Matt) 1547454321
People said that her record as work and pensions secretary didn't exactly prove she was "compassionate".
Esther McVey saying “we are a compassionate conservative govt”. 😂😂😂🥴 #R4Today https://t.co/RFuoDPW3KK— Sir Time for Change CBE, OBE, BFG, DFS (@Sir Time for Change CBE, OBE, BFG, DFS) 1547454911
Tory MP Esther McVey claims the Tories are compassionate: 》1/5 children going hungry 》1M people using food banks… https://t.co/1nAIFUPZIy— Shahil Parmar (@Shahil Parmar) 1547453765
Lest we forget... "We are compassionate Conservatives. We care about the vulnerable in society and how to support… https://t.co/rxIiA0AugG— paulusthewoodgnome 💙 (@paulusthewoodgnome 💙) 1547461177
But some people stuck by McVey.
Well said Esther Mcvey .. common sense in the midst of lies smoke and mirrors #sky #Brexit #LeaveMeansLeave— Rob Hargest 💙💛 (@Rob Hargest 💙💛) 1547461416
While others weren't impressed by her stance on Brexit.
Esther McVey sounding positively unhinged on R4 Today - "compassionate Conservative government" topping off a colle… https://t.co/52U6XgRavj— Peter West - Bring your own booze! (@Peter West - Bring your own booze!) 1547449134
Loooool Esther McVey complaining about “no-deal scare stories”; the irony that Brexit was won on scare stories and… https://t.co/OgwuZaEtd6— Will Coussens (@Will Coussens) 1547450243
You know things are bad when they wheel Esther McVey onto @bbc breakfast. #Brexit— Michael Nixon💙 (@Michael Nixon💙) 1547450405
Just a gentle start to a big Brexit week then.
More: Esther McVey told teenagers to get summer jobs and it did not go down well
More: David Lammy calls Brexit 'a con, a trick, a swindle' in passionate Commons speech
