Politics

Outrage as Tory election candidate says people on Benefits Street should be ‘put down’


A TORY election candidate has been forced to apologise after saying people on Benefits Street should be “put down”.

Francesca O’Brien, 32, who was selected last month to stand in the key marginal seat of Gower, in Wales, sparked outrage with her comments.

 Tory election candidate Francesca O’Brien, 32, said people on Benefits Street should be 'put down'

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Tory election candidate Francesca O’Brien, 32, said people on Benefits Street should be ‘put down’Credit: Gower & Swansea Conservatives

In Facebook posts that have since been deleted, she wrote in January 2014: “Benefit Street..anyone else watching this?? Wow, these people are unreal!!!”

Replying to a friend’s comment, she added: “My blood is boiling, these people need putting down.”

O’Brien reportedly ‘liked’ a friend’s suggestion for “twat a tramp Tuesday” to “take your batts [sic] to the streets”.

She said the idea “made her laugh”.

 In Facebook posts that have since been deleted, she wrote: 'Benefit Street..anyone else watching this?? Wow, these people are unreal!!!'

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In Facebook posts that have since been deleted, she wrote: ‘Benefit Street..anyone else watching this?? Wow, these people are unreal!!!’

After being approached by the Guardian, O’Brien apologised for the comments which she said were “off the cuff”.

Ms O’Brien said: “These comments were made off the cuff, a number of years ago.

“However, I accept that my use of language was unacceptable and I would like to apologise for any upset I have caused.”

She is still set to run in the General Election on 12 December – but is facing calls to stand down.

Critics have branded her comments “heartless” and “disgusting”.

Channel 4’s controversial 2014 show Benefits Street tracked the lives of the residents of James Turner Street in Birmingham.

They were followed by cameras as they navigated life on state handouts — sparking national debate about welfare Britain.

Some of the residents were filmed shoplifting to buy drugs and while some had legitimate claims for benefits, others queued up to boast on camera about cheating the system.

After pulling in five million viewers, the cult show made unlikely stars of some of the James Turner Street residents.

Matriarch Deirdre Kelly, better known as White Dee, shot to fame and even appeared on Big Brother.

 Benefits Street tracked the lives of the residents of James Turner Street in Birmingham and made some unlikely stars - like Deirdre Kelly, better known as White Dee

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Benefits Street tracked the lives of the residents of James Turner Street in Birmingham and made some unlikely stars – like Deirdre Kelly, better known as White DeeCredit: Channel 4
 White Dee appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2014

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White Dee appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2014Credit: Press Association





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