Bassetlaw MP Brendan Clarke-Smith ‘dusts’ himself off following Little Britain's Marjorie Dawes prank

Brendan - who claims to have fallen victim of a prank against his Westminster Office - announced the award in a Facebook post last week.

He wrote how Marjorie had continued ‘to motivate people with virtual calls’ at her local slimming club.

The imaginary Marjorie Dawes’ character - played by Matt Lucas in the 2003-2005 series - was group leader of a slimming group named Fat Fighters.

In the show she was often portrayed as berating fellow members in a fatist or unkind way - despite being overweight herself.

In one episode the farcical character names ‘dust’ as a good food.

In Brendan’s post - now deleted - he wrote how Marjorie had been nominated for ‘keeping the community healthy and happy during self isolation’.

He wrote (SIC): “We were inundated with people wanting to say a big THANK YOU for keeping their mental and physical health in check during lockdown.

“Marjorie, you’re a star - thank you.”

In his post Brendan went on to write (SIC): “You’re not only a motivator, but a friend, a lifeline and a confidant to many.”

At the bottom of the post under a large stylised graphic reading Best of Bassetlaw the post read (SIC): “Marjorie, your local slimming club has helped so many in the community regain their confidence.

“Some say you are as close to them as family!

“Thank you for continuing to motivate people via virtual calls, at a time when loneliness can give way to bad habits.”

Speaking about the hoax nomination Brendan said: “It seems there was a bit of a kerfuffle involving a prank against my Westminster office last week.

“It’s a shame that a campaign that pays homage to our local heroes has been mocked but we’ll dust ourselves off and continue to serve and promote those doing great work in Bassetlaw.”

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