A Tory MP has defended calling someone thought to be a constituent “a complete twat” on Twitter.
Michael Fabricant, who represents Lichfield in Staffordshire, wrote on the social media network that he meant the word “twit” in an exchange over this week’s local elections.
The posts began on Friday when a Twitter user challenged Fabricant over the town of Burntwood in his constituency, saying it had been neglected and calling the MP “weak and wobbly”.
He replied: “Says a complete twat who seems unaware that there is no vote this year in Burntwood! And I neglect no part of my lovely constituency. That’s why I’m loved!!”
He later claimed he meant “twit” and accused Labour “trolls” of blowing the incident out of proportion.
He said the Twitter account concerned, Darcycanfly - which reportedly belongs to local teenage student Darcy Norgate - listed no details about her age or where she lives.
He added: “Twitter is not like Facebook. It is not for those who are easily offended - unless they deliberately choose to be offended for political gain. ‘Snowflakes’ they are called. Labour activists love playing that game.”
Ms Norgate has called for an apology.