Labour is facing criticism for standing by its Rochdale by-election candidate who claimed that Israel allowed Hamas to carry out its October 7 attack to provide grounds to invade Gaza.
Azhar Ali apologised for his 'deeply offensive' comments after he was recorded telling a Lancashire Labour Party meeting that Israel had deliberately relaxed security after warnings of an imminent threat.
Labour’s decision to stick with Mr Ali has raised questions about Sir Keir Starmer’s claim to have changed his party since Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership, when it was accused of antisemitism.
Pat McFadden, Labour’s national campaign co-ordinator, said Mr Ali’s comments were “completely wrong” and did not represent the party’s view.
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