Emma Lewell MP fires back at Reform UK and Nigel Farage's South Shields 'town in decline' dig
Emma Lewell MP has been having her say about Reform UK leader Nigel Farage’s South Shields dig.
South Shields MP Emma Lewell has fired a barb at Reform UK leader Nigel Farage over his ‘town in decline’ comments.
The controversial Clacton MP spoke in less than glowing terms of Shields as he wandered along King Street, hoping to garner support ahead of the local elections next month as part of a whistle-stop North East tour.
Farage received a decidedly mixed reception in the town, with some locals shouting that he was “not welcome”, while some others were keen to speak to him.
And the town’s MP, when asked for comment, shared that sentiment.
Lewell was asked by the Gazette for her take on the comments, and in response, she said: “Nigel Farage last came to South Shields when he was the leader of UKIP, he was lacking in any positive messaging then as well.”
Social media backlash - both sides of the divide
Farage’s comments have divided opinion on social media and on the streets. Some believe he’s spot on, with the town centre in decline, while others questions his real motives.
Replying to Facebook request for opinions, Robert Orange, said: “In the 70s and 80s, walk down King Street or round the market, rammed, great range of shops. It's brilliant now if you want a bet, a second hand bra, a sausage roll and a hair cut, but that's not just Shields, it's everywhere.”
John Blyth responded with: “He’s just pointing out the obvious, no doubt IF he got in, he’d squeeze the juice out of the lemon.”