‘I don’t want my song being soundtrack to lies’: M People founder slams Liz Truss for taking to stage for Tory conference speech to band’s 90s classic ‘Moving On Up’ – as Heather Small’s Labour councillor son also hits out
- Liz Truss took to the stage for Tory conference speech to M People’s 1990s hit
- ‘Moving On Up’ was chosen by the PM as intro music for Birmingham address
- The band’s founder fumes that the song was used as a ‘soundtrack to lies’
Liz Truss took to the stage for her Tory conference speech this morning to ‘Moving On Up’ by M People – sung by the mother of a Labour councillor.
The Prime Minister chose the 1990s classic tune ahead of her first conference speech as Tory leader, as she attempted to turn around her faltering premiership.
The choice of ‘Moving On Up’ soon raised eyebrows as critics pored over the song’s lyrics – while one founder of the band said it was ‘sad’ to see it used by ‘this shower of a Government’.
‘I don’t want my song being a soundtrack to lies,’ fumed musician Mike Pickering.
It was also swiftly noted how the son of M People’s lead singer, Heather Small, is a Labour councillor on Westminster City Council.
James Small-Edwards, who represents the Bayswater ward, quipped that Ms Truss had made an ‘apt choice’.
‘This tired and out of touch Tory Government is indeed moving on out,’ he added.
Mr Small-Edwards’ father is Shaun Edwards – the former rugby league player who has since enjoyed a stellar career as a rugby union coach.
Liz Truss took to the stage for her Tory conference speech this morning to ‘Moving On Up’ by M People
The son of M People’s lead singer, Heather Small (pictured), is a Labour councillor on Westminster City Council
James Small-Edwards’ father is Shaun Edwards – the former rugby league player who has since enjoyed a stellar career as a rugby union coach
M People founder Mike Pickering said it was ‘sad’ to see the song used by ‘this shower of a Government’
‘I don’t know why they have used it. They are so useless at everything. Who knows?,’ said Pickering
Ms Truss’s first conference speech as Tory leader came at the end of the party’s four-day gathering in Birmingham, which saw the PM perform a dramatic U-turn on her plans to scrap the 45p tax rate.
There has also been an almost total collapse in Tory discipline with MPs and ministers engaging in bitter rows over tax rates and benefits cuts.
After the PM’s speech, her press secretary acknowledged there had been ‘some difficulties’ during the conference.
But, asked about possible disciplinary action for outspoken ministers or rebel MPs, he said it would be a matter for the Tory whips’ office.
Ms Truss personally chose M People’s ‘Moving On Up’ as her walk-on music for her conference speech from a number of options.
The song’s lyrics begin: ‘You’ve done me wrong, your time is up. You took a sip from the devil’s cup.
‘You broke my heart, there’s no way back. Move right out of here, baby, go on pack your bags.’
M People founder Mike Pickering, a persistent critic of the Conservatives and Brexit on social media, attacked Ms Truss for choosing the song and suggested the Tories had not asked permission before using it.
‘So apparently we can’t stop Truss walking out to our song, very weird!,’ he posted on Twitter during the PM’s speech.
‘So sad it got used by this shower of a Government. BTW Truss, Labour used it with permission in 90’s. I don’t want my song being a soundtrack to lies.’
Speaking later, he added: ‘I was just looking at the lyrics. It’s amazing. I hope she takes note. It’s about, “Go and pack your bags and get out”.’
Asked why he thought the song had been used, he replied: ‘No one said to them “Tony Blair and New Labour used that song all the time” or ‘”Heather’s son is a Labour councillor” or “Mike is really vociferous on Twitter and social media about being an anti-Tory”.
‘I don’t know why they have used it. They are so useless at everything. Who knows?’
The PM’s press secretary was unable to say whether the Tories had asked M People for permission to use the song.
‘I don’t have detailed knowledge of how the licensing of this stuff works,’ he said.
When asked about founder Pickering’s criticism, the press secretary added: ‘I don’t know who he is.’
Source: Read Full Article
