EXCLUSIVE: These leaked messages show how Tory HQ used a secret Twitter army to attack Jeremy Corbyn... but it went rogue and turned on Theresa May over Chequers.
buzzfeed.com/alexspence/the…
buzzfeed.com/alexspence/the…
Tory headquarters used a private Twitter group called “Tory 1st Battalion” to circulate articles attacking Jeremy Corbyn to dozens of their most active online supporters.
It was an attempt to replicate the network of “outriders” that have been central to the Labour leader’s popularity on social media, aiming to “amplify” pro-Conservative and anti-Labour messages.
But... then came Chequers. In early July, Theresa May unveiled her new Brexit policy. Days later, the 1st Battalion went rogue.
Messages from the private group shared with BuzzFeed News reveal that many of the same activists Tory HQ had relied on to attack Labour set up a breakaway group, where they began coordinating attacks on the government’s plans and the prime minister herself.
CCHQ’s official press office account left the 1st Battalion last week about 15 minutes after it was contacted by BuzzFeed News for comment. The party's political director also withdrew. CCHQ declined to comment.
