SNP #team56 causes a stir at Westminster with social media-centric entrance
The SNP’s largely expanded Westminster presence of 56 MPs have already breached House of Commons etiquette with a number of chamber selfies – spearheading a unified social media push from the party.
Launching a seemingly transparent tenure in parliament sharing an extensive portfolio of tweets and selfies under the hashtag #Team56, the MPs have come under fire for taking unauthorised photographs in the chambers (shown below).
First day in the chamber and never let it be said Roger Mullin lacks ambition @RogMull pic.twitter.com/qlLODr9WSL
— Brendan O'Hara (@BrendanOHaraSNP) May 13, 2015
A Commons spokesperson said that permission is required from the sergeant at arms to take photos in the chamber although he added that no formal complaints have been made and that “flexibility and leniency” will be granted to the newly arriving MPs.
End of first day. All still smiling! #team56 pic.twitter.com/Mwl6OdOCNm
— Carol Monaghan MP (@Carol4GlaNW) May 11, 2015
Induction day selfie #greenbenches @RogMull @AbdnNorthKirsty #snp pic.twitter.com/l3Jf1uzux1
— Neil Gray MP (@NeilGrayMP) May 13, 2015
First @theSNP Westminster #team56 group mtg yesterday... I'm in there somewhere... Thanks @DerekMackayMSP 4 chairing pic.twitter.com/Xes1OJ48LJ
— Patrick Grady (@GradySNP) May 13, 2015
MPs also came under fire for applauding in the chambers.
Chamber training today. Tory MP explains not etiquette to clap in chamber to which the #56 applaud #team56 #NewStyleOfPolitics
— Corri Wilson MP (@CorriWilsonSNP) May 13, 2015
Twenty year old Mhairi Black, who defeated Labour campaign leader, Douglas Alexander, was also snapped enjoying a chip buttie.
Ye can take the lassie out of ... pic.twitter.com/lCUpr4lO6o
— Anne McLaughlin (@AnneMcLaughlin) May 13, 2015
Pete Wishart, SNP MP and parliamentary tweeter of the year, called #Team56 "the most social media savvy group of MPs the Commons has ever known".
He told the Guardian: "They were determined to let their constituents experience their arrival with them, and they’ve shown a lighter side to the more stuffy traditions and culture of this place. They’ve presented the House in an overwhelmingly positive way."
All 56 SNP MPs have active Twitter accounts and have been sharing their experiences in the halls of Westminster to followers – and voters.