Labour's Yarmouth candidate deletes 'poor taste' post on X

Keir Cozens, who is standing in Great Yarmouth, apologised after he faced criticism for putting his campaign logo on an image of troops landing on the Normandy beaches.

He posted the photograph on X/Twitter but later removed it, claiming the logo had been added "by mistake".

Before then, he faced criticism, led by his election rival, Rupert Lowe, of Reform UK, who branded it "poor taste".

The image posted by Keir Cozens on X (formerly Twitter), with his campaign logo affixed on top (Image: Keir Couzens)

Mr Lowe reposted the image on his own account, saying "This is not about politics and he should show more respect."

Others pointed out that Mr Cozens' image appeared to show US rather than British soldiers.Keir Cozens, Labour Party parliamentary candidate in Great Yarmouth (Image: Keir Cozens)

Mr Cozens said the logo was an "oversight".

"The Armed Forces play a huge role in my family's history, with my dad, grandad and uncle having served," he said.

"Yesterday I shared a post reflecting on the memory of my grandad, Thomas, who landed on the beaches during D-Day. In the midst of a busy election campaign, my logo was mistakenly included in the graphic, an oversight that was corrected within minutes of posting.

"I believe showing up in person to pay respect is what truly matters and I was proud to honour our Armed Forces and their enormous contribution at the D-Day event."Keir Cozen's replacement post made after deleting the original image he shared (Image: Keir Cozens/X (Twitter))

READ MORE: It's Norfolk's fiercest election battleground... but are the voters that fussed?

Mr Cozens said he attended a D-Day commemoration in Yarmouth at St George's Park which was attended by local dignitaries, councillors and the Conservative candidate James Clark.

Rupert Lowe did not attend.

READ MORE: Facebook squabble sees election candidate block rival

The former Southampton Football Club chairman, who lives in Gloucestershire, said he instead commemorated D-Day at a local memorial with his family that he had already committed to. 

Rupert Lowe is Reform's candidate for Great Yarmouth (Image: Reform)

Election rivalries in Great Yarmouth have been hotting up this week.

Mr Lowe has been blocked by his Tory rival on Facebook after he received a barrage of comments on his posts.

Labour is expected to win the seat with a strong majority, while the latest polls suggest it could be a close contest between Reform and the Conservatives for second place.