A candidate who withdrew from the Makerfield by-election has issued an apology for sharing content suggesting that an attack on Jewish ambulances in north London was a deliberate deception.

Chris Kennedy of the Green Party was initially announced as a candidate for the seat but later withdrew due to personal and family reasons. Reports indicate that Kennedy shared an Instagram video dismissing the arrests related to the incident as a fabricated narrative to perpetuate a false flag operation.

In addition, Kennedy shared a post from a user identifying as an “ethno-nationalist” questioning the response to the Golders Green arson attack, prompting an investigation by counter-terror authorities into the incident involving the Hatzola volunteer ambulance corps.

A spokesperson for the Green Party clarified that Kennedy’s views did not align with the party’s stance, and Kennedy has since removed the posts and expressed regret for any offense caused. Despite his withdrawal, the party reiterated its support for Kennedy prioritizing family matters.

The Green Party is now seeking a replacement candidate for the by-election in Makerfield, emphasizing the importance of offering voters a genuine choice. The party aims to raise awareness about Reform, a political group it accuses of fostering division within communities.

Nominations for a new candidate are open, with a selection meeting scheduled for Monday evening. The by-election was initiated following the resignation of Labour’s former minister Josh Simons. Andy Burnham is running for Labour in the election, while Robert Kenyon is the Reform candidate.