Tory MP Heather Wheeler sparks Twitter storm claiming the Olympics were won by the British Empire
Pro-Brexit politician included Australia and half the USA in medal tally won by former British colonies
A TORY MP sparked a backlash online after sharing an image claiming the Olympics were won by the “British Empire”.
Heather Wheeler wrote on Twitter celebrating the success of “Team GB and all our Commonwealth friends”.
The pro-Brexit MP posted a graphic titled Empire Goes For Gold, with a map of the world showing former British colonies highlighted in red.
They include Australia, India, much of the Middle East, Canada, Jamaica and the original 13 Colonies of the eastern United States.
It claims the "British Empire" topped the table after the Rio Olympics with 396 medals, ahead of the EU (Post Brexit) on 258 and the Rest of the World on 320.
Ms Wheeler, who was appointed to Theresa May’s team of government whips last month, wrote: “Now that's what I call winning!!! Well done Team GB & all our Commonwealth friends, now for the Trade Agreements…”
The tweet comes after the European Parliament was mocked for sharing a modified medals table showing the combined EU - including Britain - in pole position with 325 medals ahead of the USA's 121 and China on 70.
Ms Wheeler's British Empire tweet was met with a storm of protest on Twitter.
Jan Smith said: “What an offensive, insensitive & ignorant comment. There's no empire; when there was we behaved appallingly. Shame on you!”
James Mackintosh wrote: "Those 13 colonies (not to mention many others on your map) that fought hard to get away, might not be impressed."
Ms Wheeler, the MP for South Derbyshire, played down the row today.
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She said: "It was a tongue in cheek pop after the European Parliament tweet – it was purely that.
"I also wanted to congratulate Team GB on a brilliant result and thirdly congratulate the Commonwealth countries who also did very well.
"Fourth, I am also looking forwarded to establishing new trade agreements.
"That was it – nothing more. Let's just enjoy the summer!"
Ms Wheeler backed Brexit campaigner Andrea Leadsom in the Tory leadership contest after David Cameron quit following the referendum in June.
When Ms Leadsom dropped out, the MP said she and the whole of the party would “row behind” Mrs May.
After she was brought into the Government on July 17, she tweeted: “Absolutely delighted to be made a Whip & part of the new Government Team delivering for all of the UK.”
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