UK Parliament
Andrew Stephenson stated the “malicious” tweet had been distressing for his household
An MP has moved to verify he’s alive and nicely after a hearsay suggesting he had died was shared broadly on Twitter.
Transport minister Andrew Stephenson invoked the well-known Mark Twain quote when he responded with: “Rumours of my loss of life have been tremendously exaggerated.”
It adopted a publish which introduced the Pendle MP’s “sudden passing”, and invited folks to mild candles.
Mr Stephenson stated the publish, which additionally stated “you’ll be missed, RIP” was “distressing” for his household.
The Conservative stated he had been inundated with textual content messages afterwards.
‘Sick joke’
It additionally included a remark purporting to be from Pendle Council chief Mohammed Iqbal, which : “Stunning information.”
In a tweet, Mr Stephenson stated: “Thanks for all of the texts however rumours of my loss of life have been tremendously exaggerated.
“I’ve spoken to Cllr Iqbal and don’t imagine he has had something to do with this malicious story.”
Mr Iqbal stated it had been a “sick and deplorable joke”.
He stated: “Simply seen a despicable announcement allegedly in my identify asserting the loss of life of Andrew Stephenson MP.
“I want to make it clear I’m not the supply of this information and it isn’t true. I’ll disagree politically with Andrew however want him an extended and wholesome life.”
Mr Stephenson stated: “That is distressing for my household and buddies. It is not very good.
“A number of folks contacted me after seeing it. That is irritating and has triggered me some work however I’ve had worse on social media together with loss of life threats.”