Tories accused of ‘smearing’ Labour candidate for D-Day parachute fundraiser
Daniel Nelson, who represents the Southchurch Ward of Southend, took aim at Labour’s Bayo Alaba over a charity fundraiser
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Angela Rayner has accused the Conservatives of smearing a Labour general election candidate who parachuted into Normandy to raise money for the Royal British Legion.
Tory councillor Daniel Nelson is under fire after mocking Labour’s Southend East and Rochford candidate Bayo Alaba for being out of the country on the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
Follow our politics live blog for all the latest general election updates
In a provocative post on X, Mr Nelson said he had been on “fantastic door knocking sessions” in the constituency. He said it was great to be with Tory candidate Gavin Haran “in the constituency talking to residents”.
And he added: “Is the Labour candidate still in France?”
It was quickly pointed out that Mr Alaba was in France to parachute into Normandy as part of the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations. He was raising money for the Royal British Legion, a charity supporting armed forces personnel and veterans.
After the jump, he said: “Our jump into Sannerville marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day. This was my small homage to our forebears who gave everything for us on those beaches 80 years ago.”
Sir Keir Starmer’s top team were quick to jump to Mr Alaba’s defence, with Angela Rayner accusing the Tories of “smearing” the candidate.
She said: “He was parachuting into Normandy as part of the 80th anniversary of D-Day, to raise money for the Royal British Legion and Trust Links charities.
“We’re proud of him. Shame on you.”
And shadow health secretary Wes Streeting said he was proud of Mr Alaba for putting “country before party”. “You should be ashamed by your tweet,” he told Mr Nelson.
Following the backlash, Mr Nelson said he was glad Mr Alaba’s jump had gone well and that he had donated to the appeal.
It comes just days after Rishi Sunak was condemned for skipping out on D-Day commemorations to take part in a TV interview.
The prime minister came under fire for cutting short his own trip to France to snub the international portion of the celebrations.
A Normandy veteran and the former head of the Royal Navy were among those who criticised him.
Normandy veteran Ken Hay, 98, accused Mr Sunak of letting “the country down”.
And Admiral Lord West of Spithead, the ex-head of the navy, said it was “stupid” and an “own goal” of the Tory leader to miss the major international ceremony.
He said the prime minister’s “advisers should have told him” to stay, adding: “What a cock-up.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments