Labour candidate who shared blood-soaked Star of David forced to withdraw

An ex-councillor previously reported to Labour over antisemitism allegations was not permitted by the party to be on the South Suffolk shortlist, it is understood.

Luke Cresswell was suspended in 2016 and later reinstated after sharing an image of a blood-soaked Star of David and appearing to compare Israel to Nazi Germany on social media.

Cresswell apologised for the posts, saying: “I have made mistakes in what I have said in the past and, of course, I regret these. It has never been my intention to offend or hurt anyone and I am sorry if my insensitive remarks have done so.”

This seat is not a key marginal seat so the selection process took place locally. After the party conducted diligence checks, the local panel agreed that Cresswell should not be on the shortlist. 

Speaking to Buzzfeed News yesterday before the information came to light, Jewish Labour Ruth Smeeth said: “I welcome everyone who has taken the opportunity to educate themselves about racism but I question whether anyone who has shared clearly racist material should be eligible to stand for any political party, nevermind the Labour Party.”

Cresswell has been approached for comment.