In the Rochdale by-election, Labour candidate Azhar Ali has become a focal point of controversy due to allegations of anti-Semitic remarks and a conspiracy theory involving Israel, specifically claiming 'Israel knew October 7th would happen'. Despite these allegations, high-profile Labour MPs and activists, including Anneliese Dodds and Paula Barker, have shown strong support for Ali, campaigning on his behalf in Rochdale. The situation has sparked criticism from various quarters, including the Conservative Party, which highlighted Labour's continued support for Ali despite the accusations and a tweet suggesting 'Keir Starmer is a War Criminal'. LBC's Shelagh Fogarty expressed confusion over Sir Keir Starmer's backing of Ali, considering Starmer's stated zero tolerance for anti-Semitism. The controversy has led to public and political scrutiny of Labour's stance, Starmer's leadership, and his request to stay away from Rochdale.
Labour’s Azhar Ali was caught spouting anti-Semitic conspiracy theories. Why is Starmer still backing him? Because he’s scared of upsetting Muslim voters? This treats Muslims like a prejudiced bloc who must be tiptoed around. What an insult, says Tim Black https://t.co/vf9rNMTES8
Dear @AnnelieseDodds Given @UKLabour’s defence of & Sir @Keir_Starmer’s support for @CllrAzharAli, I’ve written to you, asking a few pertinent questions about your support for him, despite his racist remarks, and the #RochdaleByElection campaign. Best wishes, Richard https://t.co/ZDDMpGTxex
Oh dear... Rochdale Labour Council Candidate Says Keir Starmer Is A War Criminal 🥀 https://t.co/Ov03dionOb via @guidofawkes
‘How is this compatible with Starmer’s supposed zero tolerance for anti-Semitism?’ @ShelaghFogarty reflects on Rochdale by-election candidate Azhar Ali’s claim that Israel knew October 7th would happen, and expresses her confusion over Sir Keir Starmer backing him. https://t.co/SnHNvcuUh4
Labour have admitted that Keir Starmer’s candidate for Rochdale spouted an antisemitic conspiracy theory. But today they’re still fully behind him and campaigning for him to be their MP. Remember: Keir Starmer is the same man that backed Jeremy Corbyn to be Prime Minister. https://t.co/l0cS5qtkEH
Will you all be out supporting the @UKLabour candidate for the by-election in #Rochdale too @BassetlawCLP @CllrJoWhite? Asking for a friend… https://t.co/U3zv8mhEDD
Great to be campaigning in the Rochdale by-election for our Labour Parliamentary Candidate @CllrAzharAli today with @AnnelieseDodds @PaulaBarkerMP @elsieblundell @NavPMishra https://t.co/VM4XYkOd4S
Today was spent in Rochdale campaigning for our brilliant Labour candidate @CllrAzharAli 🌹 @elsieblundell @PaulaBarkerMP @KeeleyMP https://t.co/fLO8zDjNwd
Great to welcome MPs, Cllrs and activists from across Greater Manchester and Liverpool to campaign with us in #Rochdale today 🌹 #LabourDoorstep https://t.co/89iN4JqiIy
Great to be out campaigning in Rochdale today for our candidate @CllrAzharAli @NavPMishra @KeeleyMP @elsieblundell https://t.co/QQwJIw8Soh
Great to be joined by @AnnelieseDodds and @JEMsoc this morning to support our fantastic Labour candidate in the Rochdale by-election @CllrAzharAli 🌹 #LabourTeam https://t.co/sJYMuI2ght
That’s the morning’s canvassing done! Great conversations with residents.. stopped on the street on half a dozen occasions with people supporting @georgegalloway @WorkersPartyGB Now for a spot of early lunch before we head out for the afternoon! 🇵🇸 #RochdaleByElection https://t.co/bXNzrHC7NZ
Out and about with @CllrAzharAli, who is a strong @UKLabour voice for Rochdale with @AshleyDalton_MP . A warm reception in the sleet and snow. https://t.co/cPkLlj7m3Y
Out and about with @CllrAzharAli, who will be a strong @UKLabour voice for Rochdale with @AshleyDalton_MP . A warm reception in the sleet and snow. https://t.co/Xak8fdTxed
Extremely proud to join @CllrAzharAli on the campaign trail in Rochdale. Azhar has all the credentials and experience to be an excellent MP and champion for the people of Rochdale🌹 https://t.co/JsBYfGgAlF
Apparently the Labour candidate in Rochdale has asked that Keir Starmer stay away from Rochdale. It’s a shame. I’m sure the good people of Rochdale would happily tell Starmer what they think of his support for Israel. Labour deserves a thrashing in Rochdale.