Starmer on dropping Rochdale candidate: I took decisive action

The Labour leader said it was "virtually unprecedented" to withdraw support for a party candidate during a by-election.

Sir Keir Starmer was asked why Azhar Ali was not dropped at the weekend when his comments about Israel and Jewish people were published, ahead of the Rochdale by-election on 29 February.

He said further information came to light on Monday which caused him to take what he called "a tough decision, a necessary action".

Azhar Ali: Keir Starmer insists he was decisive on Rochdale candidate

Rochdale by-election: Candidates list