Lib Dems under fire over 'disgusting' four-letter outburst

Liberal Democrat John Chettleburgh, a mechanic from Old Catton - who has stood at two previous Broadland District Council (BDC) elections but never won - drew condemnation from the Conservatives. 

John Chettleburgh, who ran for the Lib Dems in 2021 and 2023 (Image: Who Can I Vote For?)

The late-night message on X – previously Twitter – was branded “obscene” by the local Tory group and “disgusting” by Broadland MP Jerome Mayhew. 

Mr Chettleburgh’s outburst came after the Tories' Peter Berry secured a by-election victory over Labour in Thorpe St Andrew North West ward on BDC. 

The sweary tweet (Image: Twitter)

The foul-mouthed message reads: “F**king idiots, but normal for Thorpe St Andrew. Normal for Broadland really.” 

The Broadland Conservative group shared a screenshot of the tweet, which tagged in the local Lib Dem group but not Mr Chettleburgh, calling for him to “show some respect to Broadland residents”. 

Mr Chettleburgh, who described himself as a “paper candidate” said he was unaware of the stir his tweet had caused and would now delete it. 

“It was done in the heat of the moment,” he said. “I do regret what I said, no one responds to my tweets normally. 

“I will be more circumspect in the future, I never meant to cause offence to the people of Thorpe St Andrew. 

“I used to be a Tory voter but nationally the last seven years have been so disgusting I won’t vote for them again."

This was posted in haste and I do regret my choice of language, however it would have been better to have engaged with me directly maybe? Please accept my sincere apologies for any offence I caused you.

I'm impressed that my off the cuff remark got your attention though!

— John Chettleburgh 🇺🇦🇺🇦 🔶 3.5% #GTTO #FBPPR (@Johnc1508) September 11, 2023

Now Mr Chettleburgh admits it is unlikely he would stand for the Lib Dems again. 

Susan Holland, the leader of the Lib Dems at BDC, stressed that the tweet did not represent the group and that Mr Chettleburgh was not an elected member. 

“It’s certainly not endorsed by us,” she said. 

“People should be careful about what they say, people write in haste and it’s not a good idea. 

“Everyone should be respectful, even when we may not agree with people.”