Pro-Leave MP tells journalist to 'suck it up whiner' over Brexit concerns

J.K.Rowling among those criticising comments made by Stewart Jackson on Twitter

Stewart Jackson has been criticised for his blunt approach to pro-Remain concerns (Twitter)

A pro-Leave politician has been criticised for calling a journalist a “whiner” for expressing concerns about the result of the EU referendum, before dismissing those “in denial” about the vote.

Stewart Jackson, MP for Peterborough, campaigned in support of Brexit and told GQ’s political correspondent Rupert Myers to “suck it up” during a brief exchange on Twitter on Sunday evening.

Myers had written: “I can’t get over the fact that the winning side lied about a whole bunch of stuff and yet expect us to live cheerfully with the result.”

The MP replied: “I know you’re struggling to cope with representative democracy & the decision of 17m people to disagree with you but chin up.”

Mr Jackson’s comments were spotted and retweeted by author J.K.Rowling, who wrote: “Welcome to our post-referendum, anti-elitist, in-touch-with-the-people politicians.”

In response, Mr Jackson told Peterborough Today: “I could not care less what JK Rowling thinks. It’s got nothing to do with her.

“There’s a campaign to de-legitimise the result which is the largest number of people voting for anything in British electoral history.

“There’s an attempt to say people who voted to leave were stupid and did not understand the issue. That’s nonsense. We need a period of humility from people who are in denial.”

Mr Jackson also dismissed criticisms aimed at the leave campaign - including suggestions £350 million more a week will not now be spent on the NHS.

He added: “The point is there’s £350 million that has to be allocated to the EU. It’s up to the Government now - it might spend it on the NHS, adult social care, school places. We will have that choice to make.”

The Independent has contacted the office of Stewart Jackson for comment.