The MP at the centre of a Twitter storm has responded to critics citing his long track record of supporting homeless projects within his constituency.
Rob Wilson, who has just been re-elected as Conversative MP for Reading East, talked to The Wokingham Paper in response to a petition calling him to resign after responding to a tweet about homelessness.
Hours after he won his third term of office, a local photojournalist messaged him on Twitter: “Homelessness is up 700% in #RdgUK during previous coalition. Wonder what the #Conservative cuts will do to address this”
He replied with an off-the-cuff comment “don’t be a bad loser”, a message that since went viral.
It has led to a petition calling for him to resign.
However, the MP has defended his record of working for homeless people within the Reading East area, which includes parts of Wokingham borough.
He said: “I think people in Reading East know that I have worked hard to help homeless people in Reading.
“I have previously run a campaign lobbying Reading Borough Council for a night shelter and been in regular contact with homelessness charities in Reading, such as Launchpad and the Salvation Army. I have always listened to their concerns and sought to support them in the vital work they do.
Responding directly about the initial tweet that sparked the media interest, Mr Wilson said: “I have known [photojournalist] Lynda Bowyer for a number of years as an activist journalist who has contributed her views about government policy on a number of occasions. It was in her capacity as a journalist that I responded to her tweet.
“I continue to address her concerns as a constituent by email.
“I will continue to take up the issue of homelessness with Reading Borough Council, as I have done on various occasions over the last 10 years.”
