Former Merseyside MP Esther McVey has cause outrage after making a comment suggesting poor families prioritise phones over food - and ECHO readers are all saying the same thing.
The controversial ex-Work and Pensions secretary is widely disliked by many in the region, having been seen as the face of Tory benefit policies like the Bedroom Tax, and more recently Universal Credit.
Both have both been blamed for pushing people into poverty right across Merseyside and the rise in the use of food banks.
In an interview in Saturday's Times, the ex-Wirral West politician referenced the proliferation of food banks, and said: “When I was growing up my parents put money into food, utility bills and the mortgage.
"Now people feel to be connected they’ve got to have an iPad and a phone that will help them with education and jobs.”
Amy Jackson announces pregnancy news in adorable Instagram post
The comments from Ms McVey were roundly condemned by ECHO readers - who took to social media to make the same obvious point.
Countless readers pointed out that phones or tablets are essential for families wanting to apply for jobs or handle their Universal Credit, with many things being handled online.
Corey Rawlinson said: "Welcome to 2019. People need phones now for job searching and searching for information etc. It would have helped if the Tories didn’t decide to close libraries and job centres!"
Jonny Carr agreed, writing: "We live in the computer age - we need phones with an internet connection to live and work. Show me one poor person who has bought a phone rather than food, just one, that's all I want - proof of one person."
Margie Cuesta said: "I am a working single mum, don't smoke, seldom drink but juggling finances to live even though I work and still need a phone. If however I was on benefits, I would need on even more as everything is done online apparently, so yes we all need phones regardless!"
Paul Dewsnip said: "Have you ever tried to apply for a job by letter? Or pay your bills? If you don't have a computer you need a smart phone."
Carol Mathews said: "As a pensioner I am finding it almost impossible to communicate with anyone without a mobile or computer. Government agencies especially cannot grasp the fact that some people can't afford it. My mobile is second hand and I am unable to use email etc. I am sure that young families have NO choice and HAVE TO have these bloody phones to be able survive."
Andy Heaton, from Liverpool fan podcast The Anfield Wrap, took to Twitter to make a similar point. He said: "I do wonder if Esther McVey is aware when she is scolding the most vulnerable for not surviving exclusively on gruel and water that the only way to apply for universal credit is to have access to the internet?
"Dense or disingenuous? Makes me sick that she was born in Liverpool."
The five miles that will change Liverpool forever
In her interview in the Times, McVey discussed her reasons for voting for Theresa May's withdrawal agreement.
The businesswoman, who previously worked in the media presenting and producing programmes such as GMTV, said: “I still believe it’s a bad deal, I have never changed on that.”
But with MPs pushing for a softer Brexit, or even no Brexit, she added: "You think - what can I salvage?... At least you can say we are out.”
McVey, who lost her Wirral seat in the 2015 general election in a closely-fought contest with ex-English teacher Margaret Greenwood, said in today's interview that whenever she walked into No 10 for cabinet meetings, she would think she was there to represent the most “vulnerable” people in the country.
“You’ve got to be for all parts of the country and for everybody.”
