Cabinet Office Minister Mark Spencer has been accused of staggering hypocrisy after being spotted behind the wheel of a French-made Citroën, despite being a prominent Brexiteer and government champion of 'Buy British'.
The Conservative MP for Sherwood was photographed driving the distinctly Gallic vehicle, a move that has infuriated fellow Leavers and political opponents alike. The incident comes at a sensitive time for UK-France relations, which have been strained by ongoing post-Brexit disputes over fishing rights and trade.
A Question of Patriotism
Critics were quick to pounce on the minister's choice of transport. "The sheer hypocrisy is breathtaking," declared a source from within the Brexit movement. "Here we have a senior government minister who campaigned for Britain to break free from European ties, yet he doesn't support British industry when it comes to his own car."
The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between ideological principle and practical consumer choice in post-Brexit Britain. The government has frequently urged the public and businesses to back British manufacturers, making the minister's personal decision a potent symbol for his critics.
Whitehall Silence
When confronted about the vehicle, a spokesperson for Mr Spencer offered a brief, non-committal response, stating the minister does not comment on personal matters. This has done little to quell the anger, with many asking if it's a case of 'one rule for them, another for everyone else'.
The row raises broader questions about the practical realities of Brexit. While promoting economic independence, the UK remains deeply intertwined with European supply chains and consumer markets, making a complete boycott of EU goods virtually impossible for most citizens—and, it seems, for government ministers.
This automotive misstep is likely to fuel further debate about leading by example and the challenges of translating political rhetoric into everyday life.
