Labour drops suspended Graham Jones as Hyndburn candidate

Mr Jones, who was the borough’s MP for nine years before losing to Conservative Sara Britcliffe in 2019, is under investigation for alleged antisemitism and has been deselected.

He had been chosen as the parliamentary candidate for Hyndburn, but with him still suspended – over allegations he said “f***ing Israel” at a meeting – Labour is now looking for a replacement.

A Labour spokesperson confirmed Mr Jones had been dropped as candidate, adding he is “suspended from the party and the process to select a new candidate is underway”.

Keir Starmer is hoping for a General Election win (Image: PA)

It comes a week after the Hyndburn constituency Labour party had called on the national leadership to reinstate him.

Would-be MPs now have until 5pm on Monday, May 27, to submit an application form to become the new Hyndburn candidate via the party’s website.

Hyndburn is one of 11 constituencies where Labour is still seeking a candidate, which include Rochdale – which the party lost to George Galloway after it was forced to disown its candidate Azhar Ali due to comments made relating to the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

Hyndburn’s constituency Labour party had called for Mr Jones to be reinstated.

In a Facebook post, CLP chair Andy Tatchell said: "On Friday evening our constituency Labour Party met and unanimously agreed to send a letter of support for Graham Jones our currently suspended Parliamentary candidate.

"Graham has been a dedicated and passionate advocate for our party and our community and we believe it's crucial to stand by him during this challenging time as he has done by us.

"Our collective support is a testament to the strength and unity of our local party."

Applications will be reviewed by panels of national executive committee members to create a shortlist, followed by interviews after which a candidate will be selected.

Graham Jones and Andy Tatchell have been approached for comment.