Tory candidate apologises for Rohypnol social post

A Conservative candidate has apologised after reports emerged that he joked about the “date rape” drug Rohypnol on social media in 2012.

According to Sky News, Oliver Johnstone, who is standing for the Stockport constituency, commented on an internet meme referring to "steak" in exchange for sex acts as an apparently male response to Valentine's Day.

Mr Johnstone reportedly wrote "if [sic] wasn't for the incentive of material goods just how do you expect me to get laid", adding in another message: "Well that or rohypnol."

He told BBC Politics North West that his comments were "wrong then and it’s wrong now".

Rohypnol is used medically to tranquilise or sedate people but has also been misused to facilitate sexual assaults.

Speaking to the BBC, Mr Johnstone said he did not remember the posts, adding: "I did write those comments and it was a long time ago, it was 12 years ago. I was 21 at the time."

“But it was wrong then and it’s wrong now and I unreservedly apologise for writing those comments.”

He said he hoped that "the voters of Stockport realise that the man that sits in front of you now is not the young man that wrote those comments 12 years ago".

The BBC has contacted the Conservative Party for comment.

UK General Election 2024: Stockport candidates

• Conservative, Oliver Johnstone
• Workers Party of Britain, Ayesha Khan
• Liberal Democrat, Wendy Meikle
• Green, Helena Mellish
• Labour, Navendu Mishra
• Reform UK, Lynn Schofield
• Stockport Fights Austerity No to Cuts, Ashley Walker