This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-53362043

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
MP Andrew Stephenson dispels false death rumours on Twitter MP Andrew Stephenson dispels false death rumours on Twitter
(about 2 hours later)
An MP has moved to confirm he is alive and well after a rumour suggesting he had died was shared widely on Twitter.An MP has moved to confirm he is alive and well after a rumour suggesting he had died was shared widely on Twitter.
Transport minister Andrew Stephenson invoked the famous Mark Twain quote when he responded with: "Rumours of my death have been greatly exaggerated."Transport minister Andrew Stephenson invoked the famous Mark Twain quote when he responded with: "Rumours of my death have been greatly exaggerated."
It followed a post which announced the Pendle MP's "sudden passing", and invited people to light candles.It followed a post which announced the Pendle MP's "sudden passing", and invited people to light candles.
Mr Stephenson said the post, which also said "you will be missed, RIP" was "distressing" for his family.Mr Stephenson said the post, which also said "you will be missed, RIP" was "distressing" for his family.
The Conservative said he had been inundated with text messages afterwards.The Conservative said he had been inundated with text messages afterwards.
'Sick joke''Sick joke'
It also included a comment purporting to be from Pendle Council leader Mohammed Iqbal, which : "Shocking news." It also included a comment purporting to be from Pendle Council leader Mohammed Iqbal, which read: "Shocking news."
In a tweet, Mr Stephenson said: "Thanks for all the texts but rumours of my death have been greatly exaggerated.In a tweet, Mr Stephenson said: "Thanks for all the texts but rumours of my death have been greatly exaggerated.
"I have spoken to Cllr Iqbal and do not believe he has had anything to do with this malicious story.""I have spoken to Cllr Iqbal and do not believe he has had anything to do with this malicious story."
Mr Iqbal said it had been a "sick and deplorable joke".Mr Iqbal said it had been a "sick and deplorable joke".
He said: "Just seen a despicable announcement allegedly in my name announcing the death of Andrew Stephenson MP.He said: "Just seen a despicable announcement allegedly in my name announcing the death of Andrew Stephenson MP.
"I wish to make it clear I am not the source of this news and it's not true. I may disagree politically with Andrew but wish him a long and healthy life.""I wish to make it clear I am not the source of this news and it's not true. I may disagree politically with Andrew but wish him a long and healthy life."
Mr Stephenson said: "This is distressing for my family and friends. It's not very nice.Mr Stephenson said: "This is distressing for my family and friends. It's not very nice.
"Several people contacted me after seeing it. This is irritating and has caused me some work but I have had worse on social media including death threats.""Several people contacted me after seeing it. This is irritating and has caused me some work but I have had worse on social media including death threats."