'Darren Rodwell for Barking': Photos show Labour candidate's banner tied to gravestones

Calls for the suspension of an east London Labour councillor and prospective MP have been filed with the party leadership after photos emerged, appearing to show a campaign banner being attached to gravestones.

In a series of images posted on X, ropes can be seen tied to several gravestones, while draped over a stone wall is a ‘Darren Rodwell for Barking’ banner.

Cllr Rodwell, the leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, is running to become MP in the Barking seat being vacated by Dame Margaret Hodge at the next election.

According to the poster of the images, Matt Lismore, the banner was hung from a wall at Barking Abbey on Saturday (October 21).

Sam Holland, the Conservative candidate for the neighbouring seat of Dagenham and Rainham, has written to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer calling for Cllr Rodwell’s suspension and an investigation into whether any law was broken.

“Barking Abbey is a former monastery and church dating back to around 666 AD. It is for many the sacred heart of the historic town of Barking. Amongst its ruins lie numerous graves,” he wrote.

He added: “It is deeply shocking and offensive to so many in Barking and Dagenham that the Labour leader of the council and parliamentary candidate for Barking would deem it appropriate to trample graves and attach Labour campaign material to memorials of the deceased. This belies a shocking lack of judgement and character in pursuit of political office. It may also constitute a criminal offence.”

Mr Lismore, who took the photos, told LondonWorld: “As a Labour Party member in Barking I have been very disappointed in the numerous scandals and errors of judgement that have surrounded councillor Rodwell and his senior team at the council.

"As a proud member of the party, I couldn’t stand by as he and his supporters damaged the reputation of our party further.

"Dame Margaret Hodge has been a superb MP for our constituency and the party and I have serious reservations about Darren Rodwell’s suitability to succeed her.”

LondonWorld understands the Labour Party will be taking action.

Cllr Rodwell has been approached for comment.