X owner Elon Musk A cabinet minister and her department have dramatically quit X over the “abuse and misinformation” now widespread on the platform.
Culture secretary Lisa Nandy said “it isn’t healthy for our democracy or our communities and I don’t want to support it”.
Nandy said X – formerly Twitter – was originally “a platform originally designed for free speech and expression” but had changed over time.
Her comments were a clear swipe at tech billionaire Elon Musk, who introduced a raft of changes after he bought the platform in 2022.
Nandy announced her shock decision just seconds after Keir Starmer posted a video on X announcing that pubs can stay open until 5am on Monday to show England’s World Cup clash with Mexico.
A No.10 source said they had no plans to follow Nandy by leaving X.
Announcing her decision on Thursday, Nandy said: “I’ve decided to leave this platform and my department will too.
“A platform originally designed for free speech and expression now favours abuse and misinformation over meaningful debate. It isn’t healthy for our democracy or our communities and I don’t want to support it.”
She said she would still post content on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
I've decided to leave this platform and my Department will too.
A platform originally designed for free speech and expression now favours abuse and misinformation over meaningful debate.
It isn't healthy for our democracy or our communities and I don’t want to support it.
However, her decision drew criticism from some X users, with some people saying she should use her powers to crack down on abuse rather than leave the site altogether.
Ridiculous decision. Leave one of the most powerful media platforms to your opponents. That'll really help stop the spread of misinformation. https://t.co/tfr0wA6RNI
— (((Dan Hodges))) (@DPJHodges) July 2, 2026Ironically, I’m not allowed to reply to this post - but if I could I’d say it is irresponsible for the Secretary of State for MEDIA to boycott this platform however much she dislikes having her views challenged. What is she thinking? https://t.co/pEikPwel01
— Iain Macwhirter (@iainmacwhirter) July 2, 2026When Lisa Nandy says “meaningful debate” she means “people who agree with me”.
If it wasn’t for Elon Musk and X, we would never have got an inquiry into the grooming gangs which Labour politicians ignored for 50 years. https://t.co/9FI4ql06gm
1) It’s *literally* your job to regulate this platform.
2) If you can’t, what does that mean? Tell us.
3) The Dept of Culture is not ‘your’ department, it’s ours. You’re its temporary custodian
5) But Facebook is ok? Really? https://t.co/0tBJm3IfW6
The Secretary of State for Culture and Media is withdrawing her entire Department from X - one of the UK’s leading sources for…culture and media.
Welcome to the UK under Labour. https://t.co/74S6wad6ib
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