The remark — captured on video and shared by ITV News Politics — has sparked a row, with the Welsh Liberal Democrats accusing Mr Bell of immaturity and hypocrisy.
Local criticism
In a statement, the party said that at a time when Swansea and Wales face challenges from the cost‑of‑living crisis to NHS waiting times and housing shortages, “playground insults” were not what people expected from their MP.
They also highlighted concerns that Mr Bell, who was selected for Swansea West last year, had “little connection to the community” and had focused more on building his Westminster profile than working with local groups.
Policy record challenged
The Lib Dems further accused Mr Bell of inconsistency on welfare policy. They pointed to comments he made at the Resolution Foundation, where he described the two‑child benefit cap as “immoral” and called for its abolition, contrasting this with his subsequent votes in Westminster to retain the cap.
Councillor’s response
Cllr Sam Bennett, a Swansea councillor and Welsh Liberal Democrat Senedd candidate for Gŵyr Abertawe, said:
“Swansea expects more from someone in national office. Swansea West deserves an MP who works with the community and shows respect, not one who hides behind childish jibes.”
He added that the Liberal Democrats would continue to hold Labour to account on issues such as the two‑child benefit cap, Winter Fuel Allowance and river pollution “without descending into childish insults.”
Video clip
The moment Mr Bell made the remark was captured on camera and shared by ITV News Politics. You can view the clip below:
