Mysterious fake blue plaque criticising city's MPs appears on Sunderland street

The plaque, which has since been removed, was placed on the premises above clothing repair shop Superstitch on Holmeside.

Superstitch’s owners say that they first noticed the plaque on the morning of Monday, December 16, but do not know who put it there.

The plaque reads: “English Heritage 2019. Betrayal of trust. Julie Elliott, Sharon Hodgson, Bridget Phillipson. The three MP’s who went against the wishes of the good people of Sunderland.”

This refers to the 2016 Brexit referendum, in which Sunderland overwhelmingly voted leave. But the MPs have voted against a number of EU withdrawal bills.

All three Labour MPs held onto their seats in last weeks elections, though all saw a drop in their majorities.

Julie Elliot’s majority fell from 9,997 in 2017 to 2,964 in the 2019 election for Sunderland Central.

Sharon Hodgson’s majority in Washington and Sunderland West fell from 12,940 in 2017 to 3,723 in 2019.

Bridget Phillipson’s majority in Houghton and Sunderland South fell from 12,341 in 2017 to 3,115 in 2019.

English Heritage confirmed the sign was fake.

The Echo has tried to contact all three MPs’ offices for comment.

Sunderland City Council said that there was no planning consent for the sign.

A spokesperson said: “Signs on buildings can need advertisement consent and standard practice is to lodge a planning application which can then be determined.

“No application was received. The council understands this sign has been removed.”