sparked controversy with a remark on Twitter in which he seemed to show a lack of interest in solving his constituency's rising homelessness problem. When asked about how his party's cuts would help solve it, he responded with "Don't be a bad loser." This sparked considerable outrage online, including a petition on 38 Degrees for him to be removed from office. In July 2015, he was forced to defend his claims for travel expenses, which included 9p for a 352-yard car journey to a constituency event and 60p for a journey on his bicycle between his constituency office, the railway station and home. He said that putting such small costs on expenses might seem "odd", but said that over a year mileage "does add up". He pointed out he had not claimed any accommodation expenses in London since becoming an MP in 2005, saving taxpayers "hundreds of thousands of pounds. However, as I do commute most days it does mean I incur parking and mileage expenses instead". In the run-up to the EU referendum of 2016, Wilson publicly indicated that he believed the UK should remain a member of the European Union whilst not actively campaigning for it since he believed that he should stay neutral. In 2017 he voted to trigger article 50. Defeat in the June 2017 election On 8 June 2017, Wilson was defeated in the general election called by Theresa May in an unsuccessful attempt to increase her majority prior to the negotiations over the exit from the European Union. He received 23,344 votes, but came second to Matt Rodda, standing for the Labour Party, with 27,093 votes, a majority of 3,759. References Further reading External links Rob Wilson MP Profile at the Conservative Party Reading East Conservatives – Rob Wilson MP Guardian Unlimited Politics – Ask Aristotle: Rob Wilson MP 1965 births Living people UK MPs 2005–2010 Conservative Party (UK) MPs for English constituencies Members of the Parliament of the United Kingdom for Reading Alumni of the University of Reading UK MPs 2010–2015 UK MPs 2015–2017 Councillors in Berkshire Social Democratic Party (UK) politicians Ministers for Civil Society People educated at Wallingford School Conservative Party (UK) councillors