Keir Starmer mocked after launching ‘cringe’ TikTok account regardless of spying fears
The PM is desperate to reach younger audiences, but has been criticised for the move. TikTok is banned on most government devices because of concerns about its Chinese parent firm
Sir Keir Starmer has been branded “cringe” and “desperate” for becoming the first PM to join TikTok – despite major spying fears over the Chinese app.
He shared his first update from the Downing Street Christmas lights switch-on. The Prime Minister wants to reach younger audiences but critics were bamboozled by the move.
TikTok is banned on most government devices because of major security concerns about its Chinese parent company, ByteDance.
Internet wags poked fun at the move. One wrote sarcastically on X: “I’m sure he’ll gain support through his exciting speeches, charisma, and sharp wit.”
Another said: “Everyone rush to follow Keir Starmer on TikTok!
“Where else can you get premium-grade, hand-crafted cringe served with a side of industrial-strength dishonesty?”
Just 21% of Brits have a favourable opinion of Sir Keir while 72% see him unfavourably, according to an October YouGov poll. One social media user quipped: “Now everyone can hate him on TikTok too.”
His account had gained several thousand followers last night but most of the comments were barbed. One queried: “Will you tax me for commenting?”
Another asked: “Will you arrest me for commenting?”, taking aim at the handling of Gaza protests.
Number 10 insisted “security mitigations” are in place to allow Sir Keir to keep his fans updated. His spokesman said: “We are intent on reaching audiences where they are.
“Communication is changing and people have a right to know about the decisions the Government is taking that affect them and why and how that is. TikTok is simply another way to do that and reach that wider audience.”
The platform has more than 30 million regular users in the UK. It was banned from government-issued devices in 2023 by Rishi Sunak’s government.
But other world leaders including US president Donald Trump and France’s Emmanuel Macron have accounts.
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