Easter eggs being sold too early, complains former Tory chairman

Shoppers took to social media to express their dismay at seeing Easter eggs on supermarket shelves just days after Christmas. Photo: BEN PEDLEY/PA < p>Easter eggs are being sold out in supermarkets too early, a senior Conservative MP complained after seeing the confectionery on store shelves three months before Easter Sunday.

Sir Jake Berry, former Conservative chairman party, said there was online disbelief after seeing chocolate eggs in Tesco and asked followers if they believed Easter would «come too early in our supermarkets and shops.»

The MP for Rossendale and Darwen in Lancashire tweeted on Tuesday: “Just been to Tesco in Haslingden with my kids and there are already Easter eggs in there! What's going on!!»

In a video he shared from a supermarket car park, he said: «I don't want to be a complete and utter killer, but I've just thrown down a challenge. Here at Tesco's in Haslingden, the kids and I walked past all the discounted toys and saw the Easter Bunny already on the shelf.»

Some supermarket shoppers also expressed shock online after noticing that the chocolate eggs were already on sale almost three months before Easter Sunday, which falls on March 31 this year.

In a video viewed more than 2 million times, Sir Jake Berry asked his followers if they believed Easter would «come too early in our supermarkets»? Photo: GEOFF PUGH FOR THE TELEGRAPH/GEOFF PUGH

However, many noted that stores have been selling chocolate eggs since the beginning of the calendar year for decades.

High street chain Poundland has waded into the debate, telling Sir Jake the company «always starts bringing in Easter eggs». to stores after Christmas.”

The company tweeted: “Customers appreciate the ability to spread costs, and we think they will appreciate it more than ever this year.”

Then what sells should be «determined by what people want to buy»

The former Cabinet minister was also ridiculed for being out of touch with the electorate's priorities and not understanding market economics.

Lib Dem MP Sarah Olney said his comments showed Tory MPs had «given up» on government at the height of the cost of living crisis.

Ms Olney, Lib Dem Treasury spokeswoman, said: «Not speaking of the cost of living crisis and lack of GP visits, these are obviously Easter eggs at Tesco.” what worries the country most. As always, they have their finger on the pulse.

“This Conservative party is breaking faster than an Easter egg.”

Alastair Campbell, a former aide to Sir Tony Blair, joked: «What would we do without great political thinkers willing to speak out on important issues?» facing the country?

“PS, have you decided that a market economy is not what it is?”

Daniel Finkelstein, a fellow Tory, told a Tory MP that “the center is “right” view” of when to stock confectionery is that availability “should primarily be determined by what people want and want to buy.” which stores see the best use of shelf space.

“It’s not whether MPs think it’s the right time of year,” he added.

Sir Jake’s video has been viewed more than two million times, with hundreds, including comedian Chris Addison, responding to him on social media.

The Height of It actor said: “Oh, thank God. You are just the champion I've been waiting for. Waitrose Online sells Hanukkah candles. Can you start a campaign? Thank you.”