Doncaster Tory MP apologises over Christmas tree selfie gaffe, saying: "I forgot to take photo"

Don Valley MP Nick Fletcher shared a photo on his Facebook page yesterday with the caption: “Great to spend the afternoon in Thorne. It is good to see it thriving again after a tough year.”

But eagle-eyed readers spotted the pic showed Christmas trees – with decorations yet to be put up in Thorne.

Further investigations revealed that the MP posted an identical photo in December 2020 – and then again last September.

The MP has now said he ‘forgot’ to take a photo during his trip and says it is not the first time he has re-used pictures when visiting parts of his constituency.

In a brief statement, he said: “Having spent the afternoon walking round Thorne with a local business man and calling at a local café for a coffee, I forgot to take a photo.

“This is not the first time I have reused a photo when forgetting to take one and I am sure it will not be the last.”

He also amended his Facebook post, writing: “Apologies, forgot to take a photo on my walk about. Will make sure I take one when I’m back again next week. Look forward to seeing you all soon.”

The picture showed Mr Fletcher posing outside a row of shops in the town, with Christmas trees attached to the walls behind him.

Constituents were quick to pick up on the gaffe.

One wrote: “When you like a selfie so much you've used the same picture three times...”

Another posted: “How come Xmas trees are up when not putting them up till after 12th?”

Another fumed: “Fake fake fake - trees are not up yet - more Tory lies.”

“Isn't this the photo from 2020?,” wrote another while another added: “Christmas lights still up from last year then Nick?”

Another added: “Nice photo - from December 2020 isn’t it? Did you even visit?!”

“Last year’s photo,” another comment said while another added: “This man must think we're all stupid.”