A CONSERVATIVE councillor has hit back at internet trolls after receiving online abuse for wearing a poppy during a television interview.

Following Rishi Sunak’s appointment as Prime Minister, Cllr Tom Jones, North Yorkshire County Council’s representative for the Scotton and Lower Wensleydale division, wore a poppy whilst being interviewed on ITV’s national news.

Following his appearance, a Twitter user posted a screen shot of the interview accompanied by an abusive comment referring to the fact he was wearing a poppy in October.

The tweet was was liked hundreds of times, with many other social media users fuelling the sentiment adding comments such as: “Virtue signalling of the highest order.”

However, Cllr Jones' reply – "I made no mistake and I make no apologies" – garnered more than twice as many likes and hundreds of messages of support.

The attack on Cllr Jones was picked up by the media, prompting a further appearance on television and an article in a national newspaper.

Cllr Jones, who has family and friends in the Armed Forces, hit back at the criticism for wearing the poppy.

He said: “I’m never going to apologise for wearing a poppy because for me thinking about the contribution of servicemen and women isn’t just a matter for 11 days in November, it’s year round.

“They’d been on sale for over a week, and I take my advice from the British Legion.

“I’m never going to apologise for wearing a poppy especially since I’m lucky enough to represent large parts of Catterick Garrison which is the biggest garrison in Western Europe.

“I represent many military veterans and current servicemen and women, mostly from the Army and some RAF staff as well. I also have friends and family in the Armed Forces.”

“I urge anyone who shares my view to make sure you buy a poppy and show your support.”

Cllr Jones has not lost his sense of humour though, adding with a smile that seeing himself on television prompted a swift haircut and he quickly shaved off his moustache.