Green Party candidate apologizes for 'false flag' social media posts
L'essentiel
- Green Party's Makerfield by-election candidate Chris Kennedy withdrew after sharing social media posts calling an arson attack on ambulances run by a Jewish charity a 'false flag'.
- He has since apologized and deleted the posts, which the party stated do not reflect their views.
Résumé généré par IA
Pourquoi c'est important
Chris Kennedy was announced as the Green Party's candidate for the Makerfield by-election but withdrew hours later. The withdrawal followed reports by The Times newspaper about social media posts he shared concerning an arson attack on ambulances operated by the Jewish charity Hatzola.
The Green Party 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 hours later, with the Greens citing "personal and family reasons".
The Times newspaper later reported it had approached Kennedy about social media posts he shared that were linked to the arson attack on four ambulances operated by the charity Hatzola in Golders Green, north London.
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."
They also said the posts "don't reflect the views of The Green Party".
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 is a political or military action carried out with the intention of blaming an opponent for it.
After the Green's announced his withdrawal on Thursday, it was reported that Kennedy, a registered nurse and children's safeguarding specialist, wanted to focus on the caring responsibilities of his family.
The by-election in the Greater Manchester constituency on 18 June was triggered by the resignation of Labour MP Josh Simons.
Simons said he was stepping down to allow Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham the opportunity to contest the seat and, if successful, make a return to Westminster as an MP.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski previously described Kennedy as a "fantastic candidate" and said the by-election is about "who is making the case for lower bills, warmer and more affordable homes, and a greener and fairer economy".
Questions ouvertes
- What was the exact nature of the social media posts shared by Chris Kennedy?
- What was the specific content of the Instagram video shared by Kennedy?
- What were the full 'personal and family reasons' for Kennedy's withdrawal?
- Will there be any further repercussions for Chris Kennedy or the Green Party?
