'Wonderful timing for May' Labour official apologies after Manchester terror outburst
A LABOUR Party official has been forced to apologise after suggesting the Manchester terror was “wonderful timing for Theresa May”.
Debbie Hicks has apologised for her ill-times comments
Debbie Hicks took to Facebook within hours of the atrocity.
She wrote: "What has happened in Manchester is awful and my thoughts are with the families.
"However I can't help thinking this is wonderful timing for Theresa May.
Theresa May signs a book of condolence for the Manchester bombing victims
I can't help thinking this is wonderful timing for Theresa May
"It is well known that politicians use events as part of their campaigns or messages."
Ms Hicks, who recently stood as a Labour county council candidate, is vice-chairman of the local party in Stroud, Gloucestershire.
She later backtracked when asked to explain her comments, telling the Stroud News & Journal: "My comment this morning about the attack in Manchester was ill-timed and I apologise for any offence caused.
Debbie Hicks suggested the Manchester bombing was 'wonderful timing' for Theresa May
"As I said before and I will say again, all my thoughts are with the families involved in the senseless attack in Manchester.
"I am just concerned that with two weeks until an election, this will be used politically by the government to reinforce a 'strong and stable' message when it comes to national security, defence and surveillance and it is worrying."
Emergency services deal with the aftermath of the Manchester bombing
David Drew, Labour's MP candidate for Stroud in the forthcoming General Election said: "I wish to completely disassociate my campaign and the Stroud Constituency Labour Party from the remarks made by Debbie Hicks.
"These have been made in a personal capacity and in no way represent my views and those of the Labour Party at either national or local level.
"We have suspended campaigning and send our thoughts and solidarity to the bereaved and the people of Manchester."