JEREMY Corbyn has been criticised over the “dreadful” timing of a tweet posted shortly after the announcement of Prince Philip’s death.
In the now deleted message the Islington North MP posted a link to an event inviting people to “support the Bolivian people”.
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It was reportedly posted less than 40 minutes after the news of the Duke of Edinburgh’s passing was announced, according to MailOnline.
He is said to have posted on his official Twitter page: “The people of Bolivia have chosen a path of social change, which puts people and planet before private private. Join me, @BoliviaFriends and Bolivian speakers on April 19th to show our solidarity.”
People were invited to click on a link for an event to mark six month since the last election in the South American country, which a left-wing party won.
But the post was heavily criticised by other Twitter uses who pointed out the poor timing.
One person said: “A man died who did some much for this nation and Jeremy would rather tweet about Bolivia….. speaks volumes.”
Another wrote: “How dare you Jeromy Corbyn post about this before saying anything ABOUT OUR DEARLY DEPARTED PRINCE.”
A third cticitised his “great timing”, while others told him to “read the room Jeremy” and “Put the news on mate”.
One person on the social media site said of the message: “Bro said no to Phillip and yes to Bolivia.”
But others defended Mr Corbyn, who stood down as Labour leader in April last year, and said it was likely to be a timed tweet from one of his team.
One person said: “Whoever managing your socials needs to pull further scheduled tweets boss.”
At the time of writing Mr Corbyn, a Republican, had not posted a tribute to the Duke on the social media site.
It comes after politicians from across the spectrum paid tribute to Prince Philip, who died today aged 99.
Boris Johnson said the whole country would mourn the passing of a “much-loved and highly respected public figure”.
Paying tribute outside No 10, he said: “It was with great sadness that a short time ago I received word from Buckingham Palace that His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh has passed away at the age of 99.
“Prince Philip earned the affection of generations here in the United Kingdom, across the Commonwealth and around the world.
“He was the longest serving consort in history, one of the last surviving people in this country to have served in the Second World War.
“At Cape Matapan, where he was mentioned in despatches for bravery and in the invasion of Sicily, where he saved his ship by his quick thinking.
“From that conflict he took an ethic of service that he applied throughout the unprecedented changes of the post-war era.
“Like the expert carriage driver he was he helped to steer the Royal Family and the monarchy so that it remains an institution indisputably vital to the balance and happiness of our national life.
“He was an environmentalist and a champion of the natural world long before it was fashionable.
“With his Duke of Edinburgh award scheme he shaped and inspired the lives of countless young people and at literally tens of thousands of events he fostered their hopes and encouraged their ambitions.”
He added: “We remember the Duke for all of this and above all for his steadfast support for Her Majesty the Queen, not just as her consort – by her side every day of her reign – but as her husband, her strength and stay of more than 70 years.
“And it’s to Her Majesty and her family that our nation’s thoughts must turn today, because they have lost not just a much-loved and highly respected public figure but a devoted husband and a proud and loving father, grandfather, and in recent years great grandfather.
“Speaking on their golden wedding anniversary Her Majesty said our country owed her husband a greater debt than he would ever claim or we shall ever know, and I’m sure that estimate is correct.
“So we mourn today with Her Majesty the Queen, we offer our condolences to her and all her family, and we give thanks as a nation and a kingdom for the extraordinary life and work of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.”
Sir Keir Starmer, who took over the Labour leadership from Mr Corbyn, made his own tribute.
He said: “The United Kingdom has lost an extraordinary public servant in Prince Philip.
“Prince Philip dedicated his life to our country – from a distinguished career in the Royal Navy during the Second World War to his decades of service as the Duke of Edinburgh.
“However, he will be remembered most of all for his extraordinary commitment and devotion to The Queen.”
He added: “For more than seven decades, he has been at her side.
“Their marriage has been a symbol of strength, stability and hope, even as the world around them changed – most recently during the pandemic. It was a partnership that inspired millions in Britain and beyond.
“My thoughts are with The Queen, the Royal Family and the British people as our nation comes together to mourn and remember the life of Prince Philip.”
