This article contains an image that some readers may find distressing.
Labour campaigners are demanding party chiefs block a
Jeremy Corbyn ally as an
election candidate after it emerged she shared an image appearing to show
Theresa May at gunpoint.
Kate Osborne, who is expected to be parachuted into the safe seat of Jarrow, appeared to post the “deeply concerning” image on
Facebook during the 2017 general election campaign.
It depicts the former prime minister wincing while being threatened with a weapon to stop saying the words “strong and stable”.
HuffPost
UK understands a number of activists and ex-MPs campaigning for-re-election have approached the party’s general secretary Jennie Formby about the issue and that names are being collected for a joint letter.
Osborne, who is a member of Unite the union’s executive council, is thought to have the backing of senior
Labour figures close to the leader.
The North Tyneside councillor had hoped to be selected in Blyth Valley but was defeated by rival Susan Dungworth. One female former MP canvassing for re-election said: “It is deeply concerning that a potential Labour candidate would share such an appalling and offensive image.
“Many of us are facing daily abuse and intimidation online and have been victims of images such as the one she has apparently shared. Our party must take a stand against this kind of behaviour.”
Jarrow had previously been held by Stephen Hepburn, but the ex-MP is the subject of a sex harassment complaint and was removed from the role earlier this month.
A Labour source told HuffPost UK said the image raised questions about Osborne’s “mindset and suitability” to be an MP.
They added: “Unite seem hell bent on helping key allies find a safe seat, but at what cost to the Labour Party’s reputation? We can hardly castigate the Tories one minute and then turn a blind eye the other.
“There is a huge difference between a gaffe and having a pretty warped view of the world.
“In a climate when
Women in public office are facing death threats and a Labour MP was assassinated just three years ago, you would hope and expect that a woman trade union official would recognise how chilling this image is. Kate Osborne should have condemned it, never mind shared it.
“This isn’t just an issue of her political judgement, it raises real questions about her mindset and suitability to be an MP.”
HuffPost UK has contacted Labour, Kate Osborne and Unite for comment. Related... Labour Candidate Ian Byrne Caught Sharing 'Hit The C*** Where It Hurts' Post On Facebook Tory Candidate Who Said Women Should 'Keep Their Knickers On' To Avoid Rape Stands Down Labour Candidate Defends Would-Be MP Who Said She’d Cheer Blair’s Demise: ‘People Celebrated Hitler’s Death’