Kate Devlin
Politics and Whitehall Editor
Sir Keir Starmer is facing increasing pressure to withdraw an “appalling” attack advert that claims Rishi Sunak does not think people who sexually abuse children should go to prison.
Labour was accused of “gutter politics” over the social media post, which has been condemned by politicians from across the political spectrum as well as high-profile Labour supporters.
The Independent also understands that members of Sir Keir’s own shadow cabinet are uncomfortable with the tactic. One Labour frontbencher, shadow culture secretary Lucy Powell, refused to endorse the advert when asked, although she said she did not think it should be removed.
But the party said it stood by the graphic – and later doubled down, releasing a second advert suggesting that the prime minister doesn’t think people convicted of firearm possession with intent to harm should be jailed.
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