Simon Danczuk criticised for “fun evening” whilst constituents suffered devastating consequences of floods

'Insensitive' tweet

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Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk has been severely criticised by a number of local residents for having a "fun" night out with his girlfriend, rather than helping his constituents who were badly affected by flooding.

The MP and his girlfriend, Leyland Councillor Claire Hamilton, were pictured on Ms Hamilton’s Twitter account several times on Saturday evening “having a fun evening”.

Many local residents were shocked that he was enjoying a night out rather than being back in Rochdale where his constituents needed him.

One person commented: “Should be out supporting flooded constituents. Disgrace.”

Other examples from hundreds of critical responses were: 

• “I’ll be drinking nothing tonight as I couldn’t even get into my home in the flood. Insensitive tweet.”
• “Do you actually not care that homes and businesses of people you represent have been ruined.”
• “Nice to see our local MP enjoying himself while we await more floods.”

Despite the barrage of criticism evident in both their timelines, Ms Hamilton followed up her intial 'insensitive' tweet with two further 'insensitive' tweets of her and Mr Danczuk having "fun" later in the evening.

Mr Danczuk said: “What is important now is that we get the funding and resources to help Rochdale recover and get back on its feet as quickly as possible.

“I’ve been working closely with Rochdale Council and other agencies to ensure that we have everything we need to do just that.

“The clean-up operation remains our top priority but I have also arranged meetings with the Environment Agency so that we can work together to ensure this never happens again.

“Rochdale has an excellent community spirit and I am immensely proud of the way our town has reacted to such adversity.

"My focus remains the safety of my constituents and holding the Government to account for its chronic under funding of flood defences.”