Chris Kennedy was announced as the Green Party's candidate in the Makerfield by-election, but dropped out just nine hours later. Reports later claimed he had shared posts about an arson attack in Golders Green

Chris Kennedy was announced this morning, posed for pictures early this afternoon, but had dropped out by early evening for what the party said were 'personal and family reasons'.

Chris Kennedy, a children's safeguarding specialist, said he was 'proud' to have been elected to stand on June 18 in a vote by members.