It’s been all over social media for days now, and despite absolutely nobody falling for it, the mainstream media just keep on pushing it.
Yes, the Tories’ claims that Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn somehow backtracked on a ‘pledge’ to abolish historic student debt still haven’t died down – despite being debunked over and over again.
And if you’ve noticed, on almost every single Facebook post about the trumped up Labour student debt claims, the top comment is invariably someone explaining exactly why the news story is utter garbage.
Even on traditionally anti-Labour pages such as Guido Fawkes and Sky News, the majority of the most-liked Facebook comments have been those calling out these outlets for pushing fake news.
And now, Corbyn’s ex-spokesman Matt Zarb-Cousin has just expertly explained exactly why the the Tories will be the biggest losers from this charade, rather than Labour.
In a Twitter thread spanning seven tweets, Zarb-Cousin began by attacking the Tories ulterior motives behind the entire debacle:
Conservatives hammering the line "Corbyn lied about writing off student debt" has nothing to do with them actually caring about student debt
— Matt Zarb-Cousin (@mattzarb) July 24, 2017
The ex-Corbyn aid then outlined exactly how the concerted attacks from the entire political and media establishment signal a change of tack since ex-BBC producer Robbie Gibb joined the Tories’ media team.
It is a concerted effort to now go for Corbyn's strengths rather than his weaknesses. In this case it's an attempt to undermine his honesty
— Matt Zarb-Cousin (@mattzarb) July 24, 2017
This change in approach coincides with Robbie Gibb's move to Number 10. But whoever is behind it, it will fail for two reasons
— Matt Zarb-Cousin (@mattzarb) July 24, 2017
And in his next two tweets, the ex-Corbyn spokesman expertly analysed exactly why the fake news Tory attacks are ridiculously misguided and are very likely to backfire on Theresa May’s embattled party.
Firstly, young people are the most savvy consumers of media, so those it cuts through to will be more adept at seeing through the spin
— Matt Zarb-Cousin (@mattzarb) July 24, 2017
Secondly, the Conservative policy – to not even abolish tuition fees let alone look at historic student debt – is worse than Labour's
— Matt Zarb-Cousin (@mattzarb) July 24, 2017
And with the final two tweets of the thread, Zarb-Cousin outlines exactly what Corbyn’s team should do to turn the tables on the Tories.
If it carries on all summer, all Labour have to do is call an Opposition Day debate on abolishing tuition fees & the Tories will look stupid
— Matt Zarb-Cousin (@mattzarb) July 24, 2017
So instead of making young people feel disillusioned, all that will happen is the demographic they are targeting will trust them even less
— Matt Zarb-Cousin (@mattzarb) July 24, 2017
Absolutely first rate analysis from Zarb-Cousin. Corbyn’s team would do well to keep on listening to his sound advice.
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