Reform MP Lee Anderson has been mocked for a bizarre post likening World War One’s most brutal battle with periods, pregnancy and menopause.
The former Tory deputy chairman, who is now Nigel Farage’s chief whip, responded to a tweet asking what men have to deal with. Mr Anderson, who was born in 1967, wrote: “Try the Battle of the Somme.”
He gave the baffling reply to a Twitter/X user who wrote: “Women deal with periods, pregnancy, and menopause. What do men have to deal with?”
The Battle of the Somme, which left a million soldiers dead or wounded, unfolded between July and November 1916. It is one of the deadliest offensives in history, but no survivors are alive today.
But Mr Anderson’s invoking of the brutal battle sparked a backlash from people puzzled by the link. Comedian Jonathan Pie posted: “Very true. Every day I wake up and think: “F*** sake, off to fight in The Battle of The Somme again.” Bloody sick of it.”
Podcaster Dr Pete Olusoga said: “He’s right you know. I mean literally this morning, I had to get up early, put the washing on, make my daughter’s breakfast and packed lunch, get to work… all while fighting in the Battle of the Somme. It really is a nightmare for us men.”
Another user wrote: Thoughts with all the guys currently dealing with the Battle of the Somme.” And one posted: “There’s no man alive who’s experienced the Battle of the Somme. Every woman alive has experienced the pains described in the OG tweet.”