Labour MP comes under fire from X users after revealing AI version of himself to engage with constituents
Labour MP Mark Sewards and his AI bot (Image: PARLIAMENT/X)
A Labour MP was branded a “useless twit” after unveiling an AI version of himself to interact with constituents. Mark Sewards, the MP for Leeds South West and Morley, worked with a local start-up AI firm to create the bot, which will allow people to ask him about case work and policy issues.
He insisted it gives constituents another way to engage with him but “can’t ever replace” the work he does. In a post on X, Mr Sewards said: “Introducing the first AI prototype of a British MP. The AI revolution is happening and we must embrace it or be left behind.
“This prototype AI model offers my constituents an additional way to engage with their MP on local casework and policy issues. It can’t ever replace any of the other work I do and it simply gives people another option to contact me, any time of day.
“I encourage any resident of Leeds South West and Morley to give AI Mark a try. This is only a prototype, and every request will be used to train it to make it better.”
However, the AI bot prompted scathing criticism from some X users as the post attracted hundreds of comments.
One said: “Maybe you should actually do your job you useless twit.”
Another wrote: “In effect it makes you even more inaccessible to your constituents than you already are.
“Lazy and condescending, I hope they vote you out at the next opportunity.”
A third asked: “Does that mean that we can save on your salary and expenses?”
Another said: “Resign and give somebody else the chance to take your seat, as you obviously can’t be bothered to take the time to review your requests personally.”
A fifth wrote: “How could you not see this was going to backfire on you? Lol.”
A number of people highlighted the £93,904 salary MPs earn, with one saying: “If AI can do your job, then what am I paying you 90k plus expenses for?”
Mr Sewards said: “This can’t ever replace any of the other work my team or I do. The surgeries, the canvassing, the phone calls, the events, they all stay. This is in addition to that work.
“If we can get this prototype working as intended, I can imagine it replacing the voicemail system we use when my office is closed. It would still take messages but could ask questions and potentially solve problems for people while the office is closed. If we can’t get it working like this, we won’t use it.
“A constituent asked me to make this with his local business and there is almost nothing I won’t do to support a business in Leeds South West and Morley.”
