Lichfield and Burntwood’s MP has been accused of hypocrisy and urged to conduct himself with more dignity and respect after claiming a General Election rival lacked charm.
Michael Fabricant made his comments after Green Party candidate Robert Pass had suggested the Tories could get a stuffed chicken elected as long as it wore a blue rosette.
The war of words broke out after Mr Fabricant had extended his majority in the Lichfield constituency last week.
The Conservative MP told LichfieldLive: “Robert Pass’s bitter comment demonstrates yet again the problem that dogged his campaign in Lichfield – one of lack of charm and of naivety.”
But Mr Pass has hit back, claiming his election rival should keep his own recent comments in mind.
“I won’t take any lessons in manners from Mr Fabricant,” the Green Party candidate said. “One only has to look at the constant stream of rudeness and name calling on his Twitter account.
“It’s worth pointing out that Mr Fabricant was the only candidate in this election that resorted to personal attacks on another candidate, at one point calling me a ‘pompous and charmless prig’.
“The hypocrisy of the man is breathtaking.”
Mr Pass also claimed that the Conservative MP’s record of public comments was not one to be proud of.
“Another prime example of his lack of charm comes from his comments about punching journalist Yasmin Alibhai-Brown in the throat,” he said. “The Green Party abhors hate speech of any kind in our society.
“As Lichfield’s MP he should conduct himself with more dignity and respect.”
