Labour campaign chief admits Gaza war a factor that cost party seats [Video]

Despite being on course to inflict losses of 500 seats on the Conservatives, Labour’s stance over Israel’s war in Gaza appears to be costing Sir Keir Starmer’s party in the local elections, according to his election chief.

Pat McFadden, a senior member of Starmer’s shadow cabinet, admitted on Sky News that the question over the events happening in Gaza, and Sir Keir’s support for Israel, were having an impact on votes.

Sources from the Labour’s West Midlands team have also claimed that some Muslim voters stayed at home over the issue in protest probably helping to hand victory to the defending Tory mayor Andy Street in a key contest.

Mr McFadden, Labour’s national campaign co-ordinator, acknowledged Gaza had been “a factor in some places”, saying that with “so many innocent people being killed I’m not surprised people …