IF you're trying to convince the world that you're not just a lap dog, it’s probably best not to come when your name is called.
But Labour-councillor-turned-Tory-deputy-chair-turned-Reform MP Lee Anderson – who is not exactly known as the sharpest tool – has done just that.
Speaking in the Commons, Anderson took issue with a comment from SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn.
“The leader of the SNP described Reform UK MPs as Putin’s puppets,” Anderson said, getting just about all of his facts wrong.
He then claimed that Flynn had said no Reform UK MPs were present for a debate on Keir Starmer’s plans to cut aid spending in order to boost the defence budget.
Anderson argued that this was wrong because he had in fact only stepped out of the chamber for a “comfort break”. There was no mention of where his leader Nigel Farage had been.
Not content with getting his facts wrong at Westminster, Anderson then did so on social media.
“Outrageous accusations,” he wrote. “Today the bewildered looking leader of the SNPs stated that none of us Reform UKs were present.”
It didn’t take long for Flynn to issue a pretty cutting response.
Point of clarity, it was Putin’s poodles, not Putin’s puppets. But Lee, I don’t recall mentioning Reform MPs. So please do tell us why you seem to think such a description might refer to your party? It’s a terrible sight to see you so triggered. https://t.co/LwvQ5mrSsz
— Stephen Flynn MP (@StephenFlynnSNP) February 25, 2025
“Point of clarity, it was Putin’s poodles, not Putin’s puppets,” the SNP Westminster leader wrote.
“But Lee, I don’t recall mentioning Reform MPs.
“So please do tell us why you seem to think such a description might refer to your party?
“It’s a terrible sight to see you so triggered.”
Here is what Flynn had actually said: “Aside from a few of Putin's poodles who are not in their seats in this chamber here today, we are of course united in our support for the people of Ukraine.”
Why Anderson would think that refers to him or his party is anyone’s guess …
