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Houses of Parliament Social Media Snp

SNP #team56 causes a stir at Westminster with social media-centric entrance

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By John McCarthy, Opinion Editor

May 14, 2015 | 4 min read

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).

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.

MPs also came under fire for applauding in the chambers.

Twenty year old Mhairi Black, who defeated Labour campaign leader, Douglas Alexander, was also snapped enjoying a chip buttie.

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.

Houses of Parliament Social Media Snp

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