The Conservatives have once again struck exactly the wrong note after Matt Hancock tweeted an on-the-trail campaign video that has been roundly mocked.
Ice blue M&S shirt. Gentleman's navy sports blazer. Skinny mochaccino latte and purring MPV. A-ha! It's a twat in Yorkshire. https://t.co/eD8A6YxcZ3
— (@Alconcalcia) November 8, 2019
Standing on a country road with a coffee, the health and social care minister addresses the camera saying: “It’s Yorkshire. It’s before seven in the morning. It’s raining. And we’re ready to go.”
With a big thumbs up to camera he strides off to get into his car, evidently pleased with himself.
The Alan Partridge comparisons came in almost immediately – including from Yorkshire and Humber Labour party – and Twitter users got to work.
Many expressed concern about his use of a disposable coffee cup, remembering the highly zealous Boris Johnson aide who whipped a cup out of his hand during the party conference.
Getting your driver to stop on a country lane so you can do a weird little walk to the camera and get in the car bit for social media is odd Matt. https://t.co/L2v8oDy0MX
— Adam (@allezlesblues78) November 8, 2019
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Others noted the mild insult to Yorkshire, being listed among unpleasant things like early starts and rain.
And others just thought he sounded like a “twat”.
Twitter user Adam said: “Getting your driver to stop on a country lane so you can do a weird little walk to the camera and get in the car bit for social media is odd Matt.”
NO DISPOSABLE CUPS https://t.co/AvWlzI4W8y
— Alex Davies (@alexanderdavies) November 8, 2019
“First flooding and now a visit from @MattHancock – How much more can poor Yorkshire take?” asked journalist Virginia Mason.
“All they do down at Tory HQ is clone Chris Grayling,” said Twitter user @TchimstMaster0.
“Grinning Health Secretary on asset stripping spree,” summarised Twitter user @Tingletoot68.
Writer Mike Pattenden summed up his impressions: “This looks suspiciously like a bloke who passed out on the train home, pissed as a fart, missed his stop and had to get his wife out to pick him up.”
https://t.co/hJFqBhGR17 pic.twitter.com/RuIv5F3FeO
— barney farmer (@barneyfarmer) November 8, 2019
Twitter user rephrased things for the minister: “‘It’s raining and I’ve just been for a poo in the field’.”
'?? @MattHancock you are ridiculous. https://t.co/5w6mZX0EbJ pic.twitter.com/qTtQk2qe3d
— ?Penny (@Penny4nufin) November 8, 2019
https://t.co/bmU7457dBZ pic.twitter.com/DMHqcI9iZP
— Mia Jankowicz (@miajankowicz) November 8, 2019