Senior Tory figure shares TikTok mocking 'Stranger Things' coming out scene

A senior local Conservative Party figure in Kent has faced some criticism after sharing a TikTok video with a homophobic caption.

Matthew Bridger, who is listed publicly as the Chairman of the Association, and the Deputy Chairman of the Ashford Young Conservatives, passed comment on a recent 'Stranger Things' video.

The video uses footage from the show's fifth season, featuring the character Will Byers, played by Noah Schnapp, during a scene where Will comes out to his friends and family. The clip is edited alongside footage from a completely unrelated scene featuring Derek Turnbow, played by Jake Connelly, laughing uncontrollably.

The caption under the video reads: "Netflix decided to RUIN their most popular show by focusing on a load of LGBTQ propaganda. The majority of people are sick of this nonsense in shows and movies and it clearly shows in the latest ratings."

In addition to his role within the Association, Bridger is also a sitting councillor on the Kennington Community Council and also serves as the council's chair.

Casey Byrne, a former Conservative candidate, who is now independent, raised the issue on Twitter/X and told Scene: "I condemn Matthew's anti-LGBT comments, not ifs or buts," he said. "Hateful behaviour must be challenged regardless of who is responsible or which party they belong to, and if there is no apology, he should be stripped of his responsibilities."

"If the party allows people like these - particularly those in senior positions - to get away with behaviour like this, then it is not a safe place for LGBT+ people."

The Conservative Party has been under fire for some time about its views on LGBTQ+ people, particularly trans people. The LGBT+ wing of the party, the LGBT+ Conservatives, have been criticised for failing to hold the party to account on its transphobia.

Scene has approached Bridger and the LGBT+ Conservatives for comment.