A desperate mother last night launched an impassioned tirade at one top Tory minister for the government's decision to slash tax credits, despite a pre-election pledge not to.
The audience member, who spoke out on BBC 'Question Time', berated energy secretary Amber Rudd for backing a move that will see an average £1,300 cut to the annual income of around 3.2 million families.
"I voted for Conservatives originally, cos I thought you were going to be the better chance for me and my children. You're about to cut tax credits after promising you wouldn't," the aggrieved lady lamented.
"I work bloody hard for my money. To provide for my children to give them everything they've got - and you're going to take it away from me and them.
"I can hardly afford the rent I've got to pay, I can hardly afford the bills I've got to do, and you're going to take more than me."
As Rudd shifted with discomfort, the woman shouted, "shame on you."
Hundreds came out supporting the sentiment, penning heartfelt messages that called on Chancellor George Osborne to back down over the proposals.
I actually feel sick to my stomach to be a member of the Conservative Party tonight over #taxcredits. That lady spoke for millions #bbcqt
— Charlie Evans (@Chevans93) October 15, 2015It's worth pointing out that literally every Tory MP who has been asked about the deceit over tax credit cuts has no response whatsoever
— Abby Tomlinson (@twcuddleston) October 15, 2015Govt, shame on you indeed. That woman in the audience represents too many people across UK who will suffer from Tax credit cuts #bbcqt
— I'm a JSA claimant (@imajsaclaimant) October 15, 2015There were some who claimed the unnamed woman "deserved" her fate, having voted Conservative in May's general election.
If you're on tax credits and voted Tory, you get what you deserve #bbcqt
— Viv Savage (@Viv_Savage_CFC) October 15, 2015Vote 4 the #Tories 1min and moan about them the next....SMH!! u get what u deserve moron #bbcqt
— London-Dude (@TwiitMonster) October 15, 2015Let's get one thing straight: if you voted Tory in the last election you deserve EVERY shafting you get #bbcqt
— Gary Raymond (@GaryRaymond_) October 15, 2015But many more blasted those attacking her for a lack of sympathy.
Those showing no sympathy for the betrayed Tory voter sound like Tories themselves. Leftists need to be talking to her, not condemning.
— Billy Bragg (@billybragg) October 15, 2015For those berating her - "she deserves no pity etc": how are we supposed to win if we castigate disillusioned Tory voters? Welcome them.
— Owen Jones (@OwenJones84) October 16, 2015
Thursday night's tax credit tirade also saw journalist Rod Liddle, fresh from penning a column on the 'Great British Bake-Off' that drew praise from the EDL, engaging in a rambunctious scrap with historian Simon Schama on the issue of migration.
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