Labour Withdraws Backing for Rochdale Candidate Following Comments on Israel

The Labour Party has withdrawn its support for Azhar Ali, its candidate for the Rochdale by-election, over comments he allegedly made about Jewish media figures. The Daily Mail published a recording reportedly of Mr Ali blaming Jewish media for criticism against a pro-Palestinian Labour MP. Mr Ali has been suspended pending an investigation. It is too late to replace him as the party’s candidate. Previously, Labour defended Mr Ali after the Mail on Sunday published his comments claiming Israel had “allowed” a Hamas attack. He later apologised for these comments. If elected, Mr Ali will sit as an independent MP or join another party. The decision is seen as a blow to Labour, who had initially stood by him. It is unlikely that Mr Ali will be selected by Labour to fight in the forthcoming general election.