The Solar tonight got here out with a last-minute endorsement of Sir Keir Starmer, resulting in condemnation from readers and in Labour heartlands.
The eleventh hour determination, as polls pointed to a file defeat for the Tories, was branded ‘sickening’ in Liverpool, a Labour stronghold which has shunned the paper for the reason that Hillsborough catastrophe.
Hours earlier than the nation went to the polls, the purple prime tabloid stated the Conservatives had grow to be a ‘divided rabble, extra serious about combating themselves than working the nation’, claiming it was ‘time for a change’.
Sir Keir stated he was ‘delighted’ to have obtained the backing of The Solar, claiming: ‘I believe that reveals simply how a lot it is a modified Labour Celebration, again within the service of working individuals.’
And Shadow well being secretary Wes Streeting welcomed the endorsement of the paper following 15 years of backing the Tories, posting on X – previously Twitter – that ‘the Solar is shining on Labour’.
The Solar tonight got here out with a last-minute endorsement of Sir Keir Starmer , resulting in condemnation from readers and in Labour heartlands
Shadow well being secretary Wes Streeting welcomed the endorsement of the paper following 15 years of backing the Tories, posting on X – previously Twitter – that ‘the Solar is shining on Labour’
However readers slammed the endorsement as ‘blatant opportunism’, accusing the paper of ‘promoting out’.
It additionally sparked fury in Liverpool, the place a widespread boycott has been in place as a consequence of its protection of the 1989 Hillsborough catastrophe wherein 97 soccer followers died – and an indignant repudiation from supporters teams.
Alan Gibbons, a former Labour councillor, stated it was a ‘very unhappy day for the Labour Celebration’.
‘A variety of Labour supporters in Liverpool will likely be extremely disaffected and dissatisfied to search out the occasion welcoming the Solar’s endorsement,’ stated Mr Gibbons, who was secretary of Walton Constituency Labour Celebration till 2020.
‘Keir Starmer ought to have stated “Thanks however no thanks”.’
Mr Gibbons – now campaigning for an unbiased socialist candidate after Labour expelled him – added: ‘I discover it sickening that Wes Streeting can settle for the Solar’s endorsement when he is aware of the impression the paper’s lies have had on the individuals of Liverpool.’
Louise Brookes, whose brother Andrew, 26, was killed within the Hillsborough catastrophe in April 1989, warned: ‘Labour have gotten to be very cautious about constructing a relationship with the Solar.
‘I do not assume individuals in Liverpool will tolerate it, and so they might find yourself discovering out it prices them numerous votes within the metropolis.’
Peter Scarfe, chairman of the Hillsborough Survivors Help Alliance, stated: ‘I’m certain I converse for a lot of survivors and members of the family alike after I say that if the Solar thinks by making an attempt to run such a narrative will win us over, they’ve one other factor coming.’
It additionally sparked fury in Liverpool, the place a widespread boycott has been in place as a consequence of its protection of the 1989 Hillsborough catastrophe wherein 97 soccer followers died (Liverpool followers show a motif in April 2024 in reminiscence of those that had been killed)
Alan Gibbons, a former Labour councillor, stated he discovered it ‘sickening that Wes Streeting can settle for the Solar’s endorsement when he is aware of the impression the paper’s lies have had on the individuals of Liverpool’
Louise Brookes (pictured in 2019), whose brother Andrew, 26, was killed within the Hillsborough catastrophe warned: ‘Labour have gotten to be very cautious about constructing a relationship with the Solar’
The transfer was additionally met with bafflement by the Solar’s conventional readership, with some accusing the newspaper of ‘promoting out’.
In Newcastle-upon-Tyne, retired machinist Thomas Wilson, 63, stated: ‘Lots of people will likely be irritated and really feel betrayed that the Solar has switched to supporting Labour.’
In the meantime Labour voters stated it made them really feel ‘uncomfortable’ to have the paper’s assist.
Mark Hutchinson, a 49-year-old NHS employee, stated: ‘I’ve voted Labour ever for the reason that Thatcher days however it is a concern.
‘I do assume it is time for a change so I’ll assist Labour, however it could make me uncomfortable if the Solar helps the occasion.’
Staunch Labour voter Mark Bryson, 38, a guide labourer, stated: ‘I believe they’re leaping on the bandwagon as a result of Labour is doing nicely and are trying more likely to win.’
In 1992 the paper famously crowed ‘It was the Solar wot received it’, claiming its assist had swayed 10million readers to again John Main – however switched its assist to Labour forward of Tony Blair’s 1997 election victory.
Nevertheless Labour candidates in search of re-election tomorrow remained silent, regardless of having beforehand slammed Sir Keir for courting the paper’s assist.
