Boris Johnson’s first TikToks torn apart by users: ‘Can’t afford to live, mate’
Watch: Downing Street TikTok videos blasted by viewers
Boris Johnson’s attempt to connect with younger people appears to have got off to a bad start after his TikTok videos were met with a somewhat hostile reaction online.
The prime minister launched a Number 10 TikTok page on Tuesday, promising viewers “behind-the-scenes insights into what we’re getting done”.
In the first clip, Johnson told viewers that would “catch me dancing on this site”, adding: “You will have all sorts of stuff about what we’re doing to deliver on our priorities, deliver for you on our agenda of uniting and levelling up our country…
“This is intended to be a place where we can put out messages and behind-the-scenes insights into what we’re getting done – so tune in to Number 10 TikTok.”
A second clip, captioned ‘Your priorities are our priorities’, showed various clips of Johnson with chancellor Rishi Sunak with a thumping music track played over the top and a link to the full video.
Despite racking up more than half a million views and tens of thousands of followers within hours, the comments from viewers appeared to be overwhelmingly negative.
“The comments are gonna be turned off so quick,” wrote one, while another added: “Theresa would have danced. 0.001/10 Boris.”
Former Love Island contestant Hugo Hammond, meanwhile, posted “This has to be a joke” along with a laughing emoji.
One person asked Boris to “do a hairstyle tutorial”, while another added: “He’s trying to connect to young people to get them to vote him, it’s not going to work.”
Many others referenced the current cost of living crisis, with one person writing: “Please could you help me with my gas and electricity bill.”
Several posts called for Johnson to resign following his fixed penalty notice for breaking COVID laws while England was in lockdown.
In the second video, viewers were equally as scathing, with one writing: “My priorities are being able to afford to live mate.”
One person highlighted what they believe is the PM and chancellor being out of touch with viewers, writing: “Have I actually just witnessed two extremely wealthy men, in expensive suits, in an extravagantly furnished room talk about listening to OUR priorities?”
Another wrote: “My priorities are being able to afford to keep the lights on and be able to eat a dinner not having to pick one or the other.”
Others continued to pressure Johnson to quit, with one person simply writing: “Prioritise resigning.”
The prime minister has accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat, with millions of followers across those platforms.
