A Norfolk MP has been mocked after urging his constituents to vote in their local council elections... even though there is no such poll taking place.

Brandon Lewis called on people in Great Yarmouth to "vote Conservative today" to "keep council tax low and maintain great local services" in a post on X, the website formerly known as Twitter.

However, there are no council elections taking place this week for Great Yarmouth Borough Council.

Eastern Daily Press: Brandon Lewis' X (Twitter) account post calling on people in Great Yarmouth to vote in council elections despite none taking placeBrandon Lewis' X (Twitter) account post calling on people in Great Yarmouth to vote in council elections despite none taking place (Image: X (Twitter))

They are taking place in many other areas in the UK but in Norfolk, the only council elections happening are in Norwich, along with by-elections in Wymondham, Bunwell and in Breckland's Hermitage ward.

People in Yarmouth - and across the rest of the county - can vote in the election for police and crime commissioner.

But this does not appear to be the poll referred to by Sir Brandon in his message.Eastern Daily Press: People were blocked from commenting on the postPeople were blocked from commenting on the post (Image: X (Twitter))

Keir Cozens, Labour's prospective parliamentary candidate for Yarmouth, was quick to spot the MP's post and shared it with his followers, saying: "Maybe if you visited once in a while, you'd know that."

Eastern Daily Press: Brandon Lewis' X (Twitter) feed after the post was deletedBrandon Lewis' X (Twitter) feed after the post was deleted (Image: X (Twiiter))

Sir Brandon's post was made shortly before 2pm and within an hour the comments were turned off before it was deleted entirely.

People on X have responded to the mix-up.

Eastern Daily Press: Labour parliamentary candidate Keir Cozens responded to the tweet, which has since been deletedLabour parliamentary candidate Keir Cozens responded to the tweet, which has since been deleted (Image: X (Twitter))

One user said: "That's ridiculous. If he brings this kind of sloppiness to his other eight jobs he'll be sacked soon enough."

Another said: "Ah, my MP, in touch with his constituency as always."

One person said: "Perhaps there are some council elections in a specific and limited way?" in reference to comments he made while minister for Northern Ireland, in which he sought to downplay claims the Brexit divorce deal would break international law.

Sir Brandon, who is standing down at the next general election, has faced criticism for the lack of time he has spent supporting his constituents.

As well as being MP for Great Yarmouth, he has seven other jobs, which reportedly reap more than £500,000 in earnings. 

He has not responded to a request for comment.