The chairman of a group of Young Conservative Party members faced backlash last week after they called Birmingham ‘a dump.’
Daniel Grainger, who was in Birmingham for the party’s annual conference, tweeted out his disdain for the city, which triggered a backlash online from locals as well as the city’s politicians.
Young Tory apologises for calling Birmingham a ‘dump’
Following public outrage, Grainger deleted the tweet and apologised, deeming his comments ‘ill-conceived.’ He also claimed that the tweet was posted after someone in the city threatened to mug him.
Grainger said: ‘I was angry and tweeted without thinking, I apologise for any offence caused.’
Birmingham Mayor Andy Street responded to Grainger’s comments about the city and wrote: ‘Off you pop then, and take anyone with the same views with you.’
He told the young Tory to ‘try and take some time to grow up and understand just why this city is so special whilst you’re gone.’
Street said that although he was a Conservative he was also ‘a bloody proud Brummie’ and ‘won’t have anyone who’s never lived or breathed this place trying to put us down.’
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Birmingham locals rally around their home city
Jess Phillips, Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley, also quote tweeted Grainger’s comments and said: ‘I see the Tories doing their best to endear themselves.’
Locals took to Twitter following the backlash to share their thoughts about their city. Many were quick to point out that although it may have a bad reputation, Birmingham is filled with gorgeous architecture, modern facilities, and an extensive public transport network.
Pictures of the University of Birmingham, as well as of the town centre and the canals were uploaded onto Twitter by people keen to stand by their homes.
One person posted several pictures of Birmingham’s historical architecture along the canal, which they captioned: ‘Now, not everyone has been to #Birmingham and might, for whatever reason, be tempted to believe Tories attending their conference, who tweeted that it is “a dump”. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you Birmingham.’
Another person, who recently visited the city, tweeted: ‘#Birmingham isn’t a dump. I found it vibrant with an excellent city centre and some amazing food when I was there end of August. Locals friendly too. As usual the Tories slating the place show what they are. Vile.’
