Fury as Labour candidate criticized for using gravestones to hang election campaign banner

A Labour candidate has faced backlash after photos emerged showing a roadside election campaign poster featuring his face fixed to gravestones in a cemetery in Barking, East London. Darren Rodwell, who is currently the head of Barking Council, is running to become the local MP. Critics have called the use of gravestones to hang the banner "disgraceful" and "shocking," accusing Rodwell of showing a lack of respect for the deceased. The incident has prompted calls for the Labour party to suspend him.

Outrage over campaign strategy

Photos of the campaign poster, taken by a Labour member, show two straps fixed to gravestones behind the poster, suggesting that the banner was hung using the headstones as support. The images quickly circulated on social media, leading to widespread condemnation.

Matt Lismore, a Labour member, expressed his shock at the campaign strategy, stating, "To hang his election banner from people's gravestones in Barking Abbey is tone deaf from Darren Rodwell. I am shocked that he and his team could have thought that this was acceptable. Time and again, he has shown us that he has no respect for the living residents in the borough, but to show no respect for the dead is a new low."

Matthew Goodwin-Freeman, an activist from the Harrow Conservatives, described the use of gravestones as "disgraceful" and called for Rodwell's immediate suspension from the Labour party.

Response from the candidate

As of now, Darren Rodwell has not publicly responded to the controversy. However, he was approached for comment, indicating that he may address the issue in the future.

The incident raises questions about the appropriateness of campaign tactics and the need for candidates to demonstrate respect and sensitivity towards all members of their community, including the deceased.