Green party candidate for Makerfield byelection quits after less than 12 hours

Party apologises for posts by Chris Kennedy about attack on Jewish ambulances and says he has withdrawn for personal reasons

The Green party’s candidate for the Makerfield byelection has withdrawn from the ballot less than 12 hours after being announced.

Chris Kennedy was announced to be running in the seat for the Greens on Thursday morning, but nine hours later the party said he had dropped out, citing “personal and family reasons”.