Pressure on Starmer over Rochdale by-election candidate who claimed Israel ‘allowed’ Hamas attacks

Azhar Ali said Israel relaxed security to pave the way for the slaughter of their own people on October 7 .

He is reported to have said the Egyptians warned Israel ten days earlier .

Ali has apologised for the comments, describing them as “deeply offensive, ignorant, and false” Pat McFadden , Labour’s National Campaign Coordinator , said Mr Ali was right to apologise.

But he confirmed Mr Ali would remain Labour 's candidate at the upcoming by-election on February 29 .