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The Labour MP for Rochester and Strood has apologised after offensive social media posts resurfaced.
In a press release on Thursday, Lauren Edwards stated: “I have recently been made aware of a small number of tweets that I posted on twitter from over a decade ago, which I now deeply regret.”
One of the since-deleted tweets posted to X, previously Twitter, in July 2009, learn: I need these [expletive] Estonian retards out of my flat now!”
The Labour Party declined to comment.
The 2009 post was made while Ms Edwards was working as parliamentary researcher for Barbara Keeley, the then MP for Worsley and Eccles South, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
In her statement on Thursday, she said the tweets were “a big error of judgment on my half, and I apologise wholeheartedly”.
She was one of 11 new Labour MPs elected in Kent on 4 July.
Ms Edwards has also served as a Medway councillor since 2021.
“Since changing into a neighborhood councillor and extra lately an MP, I’ve seen first-hand the significance of bringing communities collectively and dealing with tolerance and respect for all in our society,” her statement continued.
“I pledge to make use of my platform to proceed that necessary work and dedicate myself to serving all residents of Rochester & Strood.”
Kelly Tolhurst, the former Conservative MP for Rochester and Strood, said she was “shocked & involved by the views” held by Ms Edwards.
“She had no concern airing them publicly when working for a Labour MP, solely deleting them after public strain,” Ms Tolhurst said on X.”
