Young Tory chairman steps down after calling Birmingham 'a dump'

Daniel Grainger made the remarks as the Conservative Party Conference was due to be held in the city.

3rd Oct 2022

The chair of the Young Conservative Network has temporarily stepped down after calling Birmingham “a dump”.

In a tweet which has since been deleted, Daniel Grainger remarked: “Birmingham is a dump.”

The young Tory chairman made the remarks on Saturday ahead of the Conservative party conference, which is being held in the city from October 2 to 5.

His comments was met with widespread criticism, including from the Andy Street, the Conservative mayor of the West Midlands.

Mr Street responded to the now-deleted comments from Mr Grainger by saying: “Off you pop then, and take anyone with the same views with you.

“Try and take some time to grow up and understand just why this city is so special whilst you’re gone.”

Mr Grainger apologised for the tweets saying they were “ill conceived”.

He said: “My tweet in relation to Birmingham was not about the city or its people. I’ve always enjoyed my visits to your city, but this morning I was greeted by an individual who threatened me with a mugging. I was angry and tweeted without thinking, I apologise for any offence caused.”

He added: “I’d also like to directly apologise to @andy4wm, the @Conservatives and other representatives of Birmingham for my ill conceived comments. I have now deleted the tweet.”

It has now been reported that Mr Grainger has stepped down from his role with the Young Conservative Network pending an investigation.

STV News has contacted the Young Conservative Network for comment.