Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg has had a dig at Grant Shapps after allegations arose that he, or someone acting on his behalf, attempted to edit the Wikipedia pages of Tory rivals and political opponents.
Clegg has said he believes Shapps’ denial but that the account could belong to his alter ego Michael Green.
Michael Green is the name used by Grant Shapps to author a series of ‘get rich quick’ books, Nick Clegg said: “He himself does not have the time apparently to edit his own Wikipedia entry. I’m prepared to believe him. It could have been someone else. Michael Green for instance.”
Grant Shapps denies the claims which were made following an investigation by the Guardian. The account title ‘Contibisx’ is alleged to have made ‘unflattering’ alterations to senior political figures.
The investigation also revealed that about a third of all page adjustments were to Michael Shapps’ own Wikipedia page.
Wikipedia, which relies heavily upon users to edit the online database, has responded to the claims by banning ‘Contibisx’ from the site.
Wikipedia has stated that ‘sock puppetry’, the process of creating a false online identity, for an: “improper purpose, such as to mislead other editors.” is not allowed.
Grant Shapps, speaking to the Guardian, said: “The story is completely false and defamatory. It has quite likely been dreamt up by the Labour press office.”
[…] who last week was featured in a Guardian investigation after changes were made to his Wikipedia entr…, said “This is the first crack in the Labour’s dam…A former Labour Home Secretary […]