After letter from constituent, MP tells him to 'stick his vote'
Jul 2 2008 by Liz Hands, The Journal
A LABOUR MP told a constituent he could “stick his vote where it best pleased him” in reply to a critical letter.
Gary Scott had written to his MP, David Clelland, to question his support for certain Government policies but was shocked when he received the angry response.
Mr Clelland, who has been MP for Tyne Bridge for the past 23 years, told Mr Scott: “I do not want your vote so you can stick it wherever it best pleases you.”
Mr Scott, 27, had written to his MP through website writetothem.com to express his concern about certain Government policies and Mr Clelland’s support for them.
He questioned whether his MP was actually representing his constituents when voting in Parliament in favour of ID cards and 42-day detention for terror suspects.
Mr Scott, from Gateshead, said: “The reply I got was disgusting. I couldn’t believe an MP would be that rude to a voter.
“I wrote to him because I am worried about the erosion of civil liberties in this country.
“I told him how disappointed I was that he repeatedly votes in Parliament with his party and his views don’t seem to represent his constituents.
“I said that if things carried on the way they are going he wouldn’t be getting my vote at the next election.
“I wasn’t even sure I would get a reply and I certainly didn’t expect what I did get.
“He accused me of being offensive and arrogant.
“But I am very offended that he told me he is not interested and that I can stick my vote. Labour are struggling for supporters as it is but if they don’t want voters who dare to question policies, they are finished.”
Mr Clelland, a former Parliament Whip, has refused to apologise to Mr Scott and claimed the letter he received was extremely abusive.
The 64-year-old said: “I did receive an extremely abusive letter from a constituent and I gave a full and frank reply.
“I do not wish to discuss the matter further.”
Mr Scott, who works in IT sales, said his letter was strongly worded but denied it was abusive or rude.
Mr Scott has written back to Mr Clelland but is yet to receive a reply.
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