Josh Hafner

USA TODAY

After Internet users overwhelmingly voted to christen Britain's new $300 million research ship "Boaty McBoatface" in an online naming poll, a government official suggested the name wouldn't be used.

"There is a process now for us to review all of the public’s choices," Science Minister Jo Johnson told the BBC Monday, per Newsweek. "Many of them were imaginative, some were more suitable than others.”

BBC host Nicky Campbell exclaimed that the government would “ride roughshod over democracy" if it did not go through with naming the ship "Boaty McBoatface," which garnered 120,000 votes — four times that of the next closest choice.

Britain's National Environment Research Council, which sponsored the contest, noted that it retains authority to choose the final name.

“I think we were clear when launching the competition that we were looking for a name that would be in keeping with the mission," Johnson said.

He noted the boat's focus on polar research means it will aid the study of serious issues, such as climate change.

“So you want a name that fits the gravity and the importance of the subjects that this boat is going to be doing science into," he said, according to the magazine.

Meanwhile, James Hand, the British man who coined the name, remained gracious on Twitter.

Others took issue with Johnson's suggestion, however jokingly:

[h/t Newsweek]

Royal Caribbean to 'Boaty McBoatface' guy: Name our ship, too