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UK News

MP calls for Welsh bishop to resign over tweet saying 'never trust a Tory'

by Kelly Valencia

The Conservative MP for West Dorset has called on Bishop of St David's' in Wales to step down after she posted a tweet saying, "never trust a Tory". 

On 25th March, Dr Joanna Penberthy, posted the tweet in response to another Twitter user claiming that the Conservative party had plans to abolish the Welsh Senedd. 

Consequently, Dr Penberthy closed her Twitter account and issued an apology saying she "acknowledged the hurt and damage she has caused."

The Church in Wales also issued a statement saying: "The Bishop of St David's' strong political views are well known. We recognise that she has apologised for causing offence and are pleased she has acknowledged the hurt and damage she has caused and deactivated her personal Twitter account."

But for MP Chris Loder, Dr Penberthy "is a disgrace and should resign". 

Loder has sent a letter to Dr Penberthy accusing her of holding "divisive views" and asking her to resign as she was "not fit to be a bishop".

Loder, who is a practicing Christian himself, said in his letter that he felt so strongly about the issue due to previous incidents in which he felt he was being targeted because of his politics. He said that during his ten years attending a cathedral, churchwardens would often shout at him "oi, Tory boy". 

Dr Penberthy has been known for being very vocal about her political views. She has previously criticised those who voted for the Conservative Party as well as those who sought to see the UK leave the EU.

On Thursday, Simon Hart, the secretary of state for Wales, said: "This has caused significant offence. ...it wasn't just a casual aside, it was a full-scale, consistent, sustained and bitter and unpleasant attack on people who chose to have a different political output to her."

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