David Clelland tells voter ‘to stick it’

David Clelland (pictured), the veteran Labour MP for Tyne Bridge in Newcastle, does not appear too concerned about winning the hearts and minds of the voters. The Times reports how Clelland recently turned on one of his constituents, Gary Scott, who had written to the MP complaining about the party's stance on civil liberties.

Scott, a 27-year-old IT salesman, questioned the usefulness of recent legislation, in particular the criminalisation of violent internet pornography. He wrote: "Not saying any of this is my bag. I just do not understand why anybody should have the right to prohibit consensual sexual behaviour at all." He concluded by saying he was considering withdrawing his support for the party.

Clelland fired back the following response: "I accept your offer not to vote for me again. I do not want your vote so you can stick it wherever best pleases you."

"This just shows the arrogance of the man," Scott says. "He does not listen to the people he represents." But Clelland, who has represented Tyne Bridge for 23 years, is in no mood to stand down. "I'm not here to be dictated to like that."