Sir Keir Starmer said he took "tough" and "decisive" action to withdraw support for Labour's Rochdale by-election candidate, after a storm of criticism about remarks Azhar Ali made about Israel.The Labour leader insisted the party had "changed" under his leadership after it was confirmed on Monday evening that Mr Ali, who is understood to be suspended pending an investigation, would have Labour's backing withdrawn.

Sir Keir Starmer said he took "tough" and "decisive" action to withdraw support for Labour's Rochdale by-election candidate, after a storm of criticism about remarks Azhar Ali made about Israel.The Labour leader insisted the party had "changed" under his leadership after it was confirmed on Monday evening that Mr Ali, who is understood to be suspended pending an investigation, would have Labour's backing withdrawn.