Reference no: EM133255731

Following their massive defeat at the last general election the Incompetent & Improper Party (IPP) was selecting a new leader. To help party members choose, a series of town hall meetings take place. These were not recorded for television, but many members of the press and party members are present. The IPP also posts about these events to their online social networks on at least three popular platforms.

At the latest meeting one of the candidates, Professor Tawny Trixster, boasted that she would be the best candidate for leader, as her campaign had raised the most money so far, and therefore could bring the IPP more money from business donations. Her main rival, Dr. David Dolittle MP, who is incensed by her lead, was quoted as saying:

'[w]ell it is just as well you are receiving more donations than the rest of us as you do have to keep your partner in the lifestyle that he has become accustomed to; I'm sure it is keeping your accountants busy.'

It was widely reported the previous year during an expenses scandal that Tawny Trixster had been using parliamentary expenses to enjoy a lavish lifestyle with her partner although the allegations were not proven due to a lack of evidence. The press suspected that Tawny's accountant had hidden any impropriety.

The events of the meeting, including the above comment, were posted to social media, and featured throughout the media the next day.

Advise Tawny Trixster as to whether she could bring an action for defamation against David Dolittle, based on his comment at the town hall meeting.