Tory mayor tells fellow Conservative to leave after ‘Birmingham is a dump’ tweet

The Tory Mayor of the West Midlands told the chairman of Young Conservative Network (YCN) to leave Birmingham after Daniel Grainger called the city ‘a dump’ on Twitter. Mr Grainger made the comment after travelling to the city during party conference season.

Andy Street told the YCN chairman to leave the city and “take anyone with the same views with you.” Mr Grainger later apologised and deleted the post – which had read: “Birmingham is a dump.” – claiming it “was not about the city” and that he had been the victim of a mugging attempt earlier on Saturday.

The city is hosting the Conservative Party’s annual conference this week.

READ NEXT: Liz Truss warns the UK faces a ‘difficult winter’ as energy prices rise, but defends mini-budget

In a later tweet, Mr Grainger wrote: “My tweet in relation to Birmingham was not about the city or its people. I’ve always enjoyed my visits to your city, but this morning I was greeted by an individual who threatened me with a mugging.

“I was angry and tweeted without thinking, I apologise for any offence caused.

“I’d also like to directly apologise to (Andy Street), the (Conservatives) and other representatives of Birmingham for my ill conceived comments. I have now deleted the tweet.”

Mr Street and Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley Jess Phillips were among those to pour scorn on the comment.

“Off you pop then, and take anyone with the same views with you. Try and take some time to grow up and understand just why this city is so special whilst you’re gone,” the mayor wrote.

Ms Phillips tweeted: “I see the Tories doing their best to endear themselves.”

Mr Street added: “I may be a Conservative, but I’m also a bloody proud Brummie. I won’t have anyone who’s never lived or breathed this