UK Labour pulls support for candidate over Israel comments

Azhar Ali with Labour leader Keir Starmer. (X/@CllrAzharAli)

• Ali forced to apologise after suggesting Israel deliberately allowed Hamas to attack on Oct. 7 to justify invading Gaza

LONDON: The UK's main opposition party Labour on Monday withdrew support for a candidate vying to become an MP at a by-election later this month over remarks made about Israel, a party spokesperson said.
Azhar Ali was Labour's candidate for the February 29 vote in Rochdale, north west England, following the death last month of sitting MP Tony Lloyd.
But he was forced to apologise after a recording emerged of him at a meeting of the local Labour party, in which he suggested that Israel deliberately allowed Hamas to attack on October 7 in order to justify invading Gaza.
"Following new information about further comments made by Azhar Ali coming to light today, the Labour party has withdrawn its support for Azhar Ali as our candidate in the Rochdale by-election," said the spokesman.
The party cannot now replace Ali as the nominations have closed.
"We understand that these are highly unusual circumstances but it is vital that any candidate put forward by Labour fully represents its aims and values," added the spokesman.
Labour were favourites to win the seat, and are heavy favourites to assume power at a general election due to be held later this year.