15th August 2025
Romiley — Hazel Grove’s newly elected Liberal Democrat MP, Lisa Smart, has publicly apologised after an embarrassing moment of levity was caught on a doorbell camera during her campaign—and quickly drew sharp criticism for stereotyping people from Liverpool.
Footage filmed during canvassing in Hazel Grove captured a shocking exchange. A woman with a Liverpool accent, who’d come to a household to vote in her registered constituency of Liverpool, was told by Ms Smart (now MP for Hazel Grove) with unintended humour: “Understood—so you’re just here nicking stuff?” BBC News Feeds.
The remark was immediately condemned as a derogatory stereotype. Paul Athans, the Conservative candidate, called the comment “completely unacceptable,” while Labour’s Claire Vibert described it as a “casual slur towards people from Liverpool.” BBC News Feeds.
Apology Extended
Recognising the misstep, Ms Smart returned to the address to issue a sincere apology. A spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats said she was “genuinely mortified” by the unintended offence, and made clear she “unintentionally caused offence,” expressing regret and promising to learn from the incident. BBC News Feeds.
Wider Context
Lisa Smart, who previously served as a local councillor for Bredbury Green and Romiley, won the Hazel Grove seat in the 2024 general election with a comfortable majority Wikipedia. Following her election, she stepped down from local council duties and was appointed the party’s Home Affairs spokesperson in September 2024, later also becoming the Women & Equalities spokesperson in 2025 Wikipedia.
The controversy unfolded amidst broader debate during the campaign—Liberal Democrat leaflets also criticised the Conservative candidate, Paul Athans, for being born in Liverpool rather than locally, labelling his selection “yet another insult” to Hazel Grove residents BBC News Feeds.
Romiley Gazette’s Take: While the intention may have been lighthearted—perhaps an off-the-cuff attempt at humour—such remarks can cut deep when they tap into long-standing stereotypes. In local politics, respect matters. Voters in Hazel Grove and beyond deserve representatives who recognise diversity and treat every constituent—no matter where they’re from—with courtesy and dignity.
https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/lib-dem-leader-ed-davey-29436536
