Is Richard Holden a ‘litter tosser’?

The Orinocho Throw?

Richard Holden, Tory MP for West Durham and erstwhile champion of litter-picking has been fined £100 for dropping a cigarette. The Conservative MP who won the seat from Labour’s Laura Pidcock in 2019 has been very critical of people whom he labels ‘litter tossers’ in recent campaigning and messaging on social media.

Holden was caught dropping the cigarette outside an election count in Stanley. County Durham. Hardly the action of a responsible elected member.

Owain Gardner, member of Wolsingham Parish Council had this to say: “Any local election is a time for expressions of the will of residents, in County Durham and beyond, on who they wish to represent them. I was quite frankly astonished to see the arrogance and ease with which Mr Holden flicked his cigarette end onto the street, obviously presuming he would not be caught. If only he had not been photographed with Orinoco, perhaps the Litter Grabber he is so proud of could be pressed into his own personal service picking up the litter Mr Holden leaves behind?”

Holden has said in the past that it was “unacceptable” to leave “beautiful” areas strewn with rubbish, Perhaps he should follow his own advice?

Kevan Jones, Labour MP for North Durham said: “”It is very hypocritical of him lecturing others on picking up litter when he is doing it himself.”

It really does seem that there is one rule for the Tories and one for the rest of us.