Starmer took 'tough but necessary decision' to suspend Rochdale candidate

Shadow minister without portfolio, Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, says that he accepts the apology of Labour's candidate for Rochdale - Councillor Azhar Ali.

Labour's national campaign coordinator Pat McFadden has just been speaking to broadcasters about the party's decision to suspend Rochdale by-election candidate Azhar Ali and withdraw support.

It comes after outrage over Mr Ali saying Israel deliberately allowed the Hamas atrocity to take place in order to give it the "green light" to invade Gaza, and "new information" coming to light since.

Mr McFadden said Sir Keir Starmer has "taken the tough but necessary decision" to suspend Mr Ali, and confirms that Labour will not be supporting him.