Fact check: Green Party candidate’s ambulance arson post and by‑election details

Claim: Chris Kennedy was announced as the Green Party's Makerfield by‑election candidate on Thursday but withdrew hours later, with the Greens citing personal and family reasons.

Evidence: Multiple reputable news outlets reported the announcement and swift withdrawal. Mirror.co.uk said Kennedy was announced and quit nine hours later, citing personal and family reasons. LBC reported the withdrawal later the same day for personal and family reasons. The Standard noted the withdrawal was announced for personal and family reasons.

Verdict: True.

Analysis: Consistent reporting across independent sources gives high confidence that the announcement and withdrawal occurred as stated, with the party’s explanation matching the reports.

Claim: The Times reported that it approached Kennedy about social media posts he shared that were linked to the arson attack on four ambulances operated by Hatzola in Golders Green, north London.

Evidence: Mirror.co.uk noted that, according to The Times, an Instagram video shared by Kennedy described the arrests in the Golders Green incident as trying to "keep the false flag flying". The Standard stated that The Times later reported he had shared posts describing the arson attack. LBC mentioned that, according to The Times, an Instagram video was shared by Kennedy.

Verdict: True.

Analysis: Several outlets quote The Times directly, confirming that the newspaper approached Kennedy about the controversial posts.

Claim: The by‑election in the Greater Manchester constituency on 18 June was triggered by the resignation of Labour MP Josh Simons.

Evidence: None of the supplied articles mention a Labour MP named Josh Simons or a resignation causing the by‑election. The background notes a different resignation context but does not confirm this specific claim.

Verdict: Unverifiable.

Analysis: Without any source addressing Josh Simons’ resignation or its link to the by‑election, the claim cannot be verified from the available information.

Watch for the Green Party’s decision on a replacement candidate expected Monday and any further statements from Kennedy regarding the deleted posts.