Conservative vice chairman Ben Bradley apologises for suggesting unemployed should get vasectomies
Mansfield MP suggested it wouldn't be long 'before we're drowning in a vast sea of unemployed wasters that we pay to keep!'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A Conservative MP promoted in Theresa May's reshuffle has apologised over a blog post suggesting benefit claimants should have vasectomies.
Ben Bradley, who was named as Conservative vice chairman for youth, said people on welfare should stop having children if they could not afford them, before suggesting sterilisation.
The Mansfield MP, 28, was writing in support of the benefits cap and suggested it would not be long "before we're drowning in a vast sea of unemployed wasters".
After the post on the personal blog, consbradders32, was highlighted by BuzzFeed News, it was deleted.
"Sorry but how many children you have is a choice; if you can't afford them, stop having them! Vasectomies are free," it read.
"Families who have never worked a day in their lives having four or five kids and the rest of us having one or two means it's not long before we're drowning in a vast sea of unemployed wasters that we pay to keep!"
Mr Bradley said he had matured since posting the blog in 2012 and was sorry for the comments.
He said: "I apologise for these posts. My time in politics has allowed me to mature and I now realise that this language is not appropriate."
Cat Smith, shadow minister for youth affairs, said: "These repulsive comments expose the Tories' disgraceful attitude to unemployed people.
"That they come from a man Theresa May chose as a vice chair of her party speaks volumes. The nasty party is alive and well."
Press Association
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments