Green Party's Makerfield by-election candidate apologises for sharing 'false flag' posts about attack on Jewish ambulances
Chris Kennedy withdrew hours after being announced as the party's candidate, with social media posts about the Golders Green arson attack understood to have been a factor in his departure.
The Green Party has said its former Makerfield by-election candidate has apologised for sharing social media posts which described an attack on ambulances run by a Jewish charity as a "false flag."
Chris Kennedy was announced as the party's candidate on Thursday but withdrew just hours later, with the Greens initially citing "personal and family reasons." However, The Times subsequently reported it had approached Kennedy about social media posts linked to the arson attack on four ambulances operated by the charity Hatzola in Golders Green, north London.
The BBC understands the posts were a factor in Kennedy's withdrawal.
What were the posts?
According to The Times, one of the posts shared by Kennedy was an Instagram video which described the arrests of two men over the Golders Green incident as trying to "keep the false flag flying." A false flag refers to a political or military action carried out with the intention of blaming an opponent for it.
What has the Green Party said?
A Green Party spokesperson said: "We have spoken to Chris about these posts, and he has now deleted them. He apologises for the offence caused."
The party also said the posts "don't reflect the views of the Green Party."
The Greens intend to make a decision about a replacement candidate on Monday. Party leader Zack Polanski had previously described Kennedy as a "fantastic candidate."
Who is standing in the Makerfield by-election?
The by-election on June 18 was triggered by the resignation of Labour MP Josh Simons to allow Andy Burnham a route back to Parliament. Five other parties have confirmed candidates:
Andy Burnham (Labour) Michael Winstanley (Conservative) Robert Kenyon (Reform UK) Rebecca Shepherd (Restore Britain) Alan "Howlin" Laud Hope (The Official Monster Raving Loony Party)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why did Chris Kennedy withdraw from the Makerfield by-election?
- He stepped down shortly after being announced. While initially citing family reasons, it emerged he had shared controversial social media posts about an attack on a Jewish charity.
- When is the Makerfield by-election taking place?
- The by-election in the Greater Manchester constituency of Makerfield is scheduled to take place on 18 June.
- Who else is standing in the Makerfield by-election?
- Confirmed candidates include Andy Burnham for Labour, Michael Winstanley for the Conservatives, and representatives from Reform UK, Restore Britain, and the Monster Raving Loony Party.