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Lib Dem sorry for Liverpool 'nicking stuff' comment

BBC Lisa Smart during an appearance in a BBC debateBBC
Lisa Smart suggested a woman with a Liverpool accent was in the area "nicking stuff"

A Liberal Democrat candidate apologised for apparently joking that a woman with a Liverpool accent was in the area "nicking stuff".

Lisa Smart, who is standing in the Stockport constituency of Hazel Grove, was recorded on a doorbell camera making the quip while out canvassing.

Ms Smart made the comment to a woman with a Liverpool accent who answered a door but explained it was not her house.

The local Labour and Conservative candidates condemned the comment as a "casual slur" and a "derogatory stereotype".

'Totally unacceptable'

In the video, which was obtained by a tabloid newspaper, Ms Smart could be heard asking the woman whether she was planning to use her vote.

When the woman explained she voted in Liverpool, Ms Smart responded: "Understood, so you're just here nicking stuff?"

The exchange came amid a row over comments made in Lib Dem election material, criticising the fact the Conservative candidate, Paul Athans, was born in Liverpool rather than in the local area.

The leaflet suggested his selection was "yet another insult" to Hazel Grove constituents.

Paul Athans
Conservative candidate for Hazel Grove, Paul Athans, said the comment "reinforces derogatory stereotypes".

The Lib Dems told the BBC Ms Smart was "genuinely mortified" that she "unintentionally caused offence".

A spokesperson for the party said: "She has since returned to the address and given a fulsome apology."

Mr Athans, a former soldier, wrote on X: "This supposed 'joke' reinforces derogatory stereotypes and is completely unacceptable."

He pointed out that his home address is in the Marple area of Hazel Grove, and said Ms Smart was also not born in the area.

'Casual slur'

Labour candidate Claire Vibert described the comment as a "casual slur towards people from Liverpool".

"People in Hazel Grove deserve an MP who will treat everyone with respect. I hope voters will ask themselves if they want an MP who behaves like this to represent them in Parliament", she said.

Also standing for election in Hazel Grove are John Howard Kelly for Reform; Tim O'Rourke for the Social Democratic Party and Graham Reid for the Green Party.

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