Labour MP Lucy Powell sparks fierce debate after wearing ‘never kissed a Tory’ t-shirt to Pride

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Labour MP Lucy Powell has provoked a strong debate on social media after wearing a “never kissed a Tory” t-shirt to the Manchester Pride celebrations.

Powell, who is the MP for Manchester Central, was among the large contingent of Labour Party members who marched during the city’s LGBTQ+ festivities Saturday (27 August). It was the first Manchester Pride parade in three years after it was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19. 

The shadow secretary of state for digital, culture, media and sport posted a picture on Twitter and wrote that she was “Manchester Pride ready” ahead of the parade. 

In the picture, the MP showcased her bright red Labour-coloured t-shirt emblazoned with the message: “Never kissed a Tory.”

#ManchesterPride ready @ManchesterPride pic.twitter.com/AAljoD8Ol0

— Lucy Powell MP (@LucyMPowell) August 27, 2022

 

Powell’s shirt quickly evoked a strong response on Twitter and in the media, with Conservative MP Chris Clarkson saying it was “puerile, divisive and completely against the spirit of inclusion that Pride is supposed to embody”. 

Sara Britcliffe, the Tory MP for Hyndburn and Haslingden, said Powell’s shirt created an “us v them” mentality and believed a “difference of political belief should not result in hate”. 

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Puerile, divisive and completely against the spirit of inclusion that Pride is supposed to embody.
Grow up. https://t.co/6yCBAMbT3X

— Chris Clarkson MP