Anger after MP hopeful Darren Rodwell hung Labour banners on gravestones

A London MP candidate is facing calls to apologise after being pictured hanging a Labour party campaign banner on gravestones.

Darren Rodwell, the Labour candidate for Barking, was photographed tying promotional material to tombstones in the grounds of Barking Abbey.

Mr Rodwell, who is also the leader of Barking and Dagenham council, then posed for pictures with activists and prospective Ilford South MP Jas Athwal on Saturday.

Labour member Matt Lismore took the photos and said he was “shocked” at the “tone deaf” actions.

Sam Holland, Tory candidate for Dagenham and Rainham, said Mr Rodwell should be suspended and called for him to “make a full apology”.

He told the Standard: “I am deeply shocked by these actions and what it says about Darren Rodwell’s judgment. This is offensive to so many residents across the borough.

"The people of Barking and Dagenham deserve better.”