The Conservative candidate in the Tamworth by-election posted a disturbing chart on Facebook suggesting that families using food banks should “f*** off” if they can afford TVs and phone contracts.
Andrew Cooper is looking to retain the seat vacated by Chris Pincher after he was forced to resign over a sleaze scandal.
The former Tory whip was suspended over allegations that he drunkenly groped two men in London’s exclusive Carlton Club.
But his potential replacement looks to have a scandal of his own making already on his hands after The Mirror unearthed a graphic that suggested people who can afford TV packages like Sky or BT, have a phone contract, or get their nails done, should not be using the food bank.
It also suggested people who do not work should “f*** off” if they use a food bank.
Cooper has since deleted the post but seemed to defend the sentiment.
“Both the prime minister and chancellor have spoken about the need to get people off welfare and into jobs,” he told the BBC.
The Labour Party said the graphic shows Mr Cooper’s “complete lack of understanding of the challenges facing families in Tamworth”
“The Conservative candidate is telling parents who are struggling to make ends meet to ‘f*** off’,” Labour MP Stephanie Peacock said.
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