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Former Green Party by-election candidate apologises for sharing 'false flag' post
TL;DR
Former Green Party candidate Chris Kennedy apologized for sharing social media posts that labeled an attack on Jewish charity ambulances as a 'false flag.' He withdrew from the by-election hours after being announced as the candidate.
Key points
- Chris Kennedy shared controversial social media posts.
- He withdrew from the Green Party by-election hours after being announced.
- The posts were linked to an arson attack on Jewish charity ambulances.
Mentioned in this story
Green PartyHatzolaGolders Green
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 posts shared by Mr 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.
The Green Party still insists Kennedy's withdrawal as their candidate in Makerfield is due to personal and family reasons.
It was understood on Thursday 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".
The Greens intend to make a decision about a replacement candidate on Monday.
Five other parties have so far announced their candidates:
Q&A
Why did Chris Kennedy apologize regarding the Green Party by-election?
Chris Kennedy apologized for sharing social media posts that inaccurately described an attack on ambulances operated by a Jewish charity as a 'false flag.'
What happened to the Green Party candidate Chris Kennedy?
Chris Kennedy was announced as the Green Party's Makerfield by-election candidate but withdrew shortly after due to personal reasons and the controversy over his social media posts.
What did the Green Party say about Chris Kennedy's posts?
The Green Party stated that Kennedy's posts do not reflect their views and confirmed that he has deleted the posts and apologized for any offense caused.
