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Monday, Mar 16, 2026

Labour Candidate Criticises Starmer's Sun Newspaper Ad

Labour has faced internal criticism as one of its parliamentary candidates, Kim Johnson from Liverpool Riverside, condemned the party for advertising on the Sun's homepage. Johnson, whose constituency boycotts the Sun due to its false reporting on the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, expressed disappointment in Starmer for breaking his earlier promise to boycott the paper. This controversy highlights the tumultuous relationship between Labour and the Sun.
Labour has faced internal criticism as one of its parliamentary candidates, Kim Johnson from Liverpool Riverside, condemned the party for advertising on the Sun's homepage.

The advertisement featured Labour leader Keir Starmer urging readers to 'vote for change' and listing his initial policy steps.

The exact amount spent on the ad, though currently undisclosed, is estimated to be in the tens of thousands.

Johnson, whose constituency still boycotts the Sun due to its false reporting on the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, expressed disappointment in Starmer for breaking his earlier promise to boycott the paper.

This is particularly sensitive in Liverpool, where the Sun is widely referred to as 'the Scum.' Starmer previously committed to bypassing the Sun during his 2020 leadership campaign but has since appeared in the paper and agreed to a live YouTube interview.

Labour's history with the Sun has been tumultuous, with previous leaders like Ed Miliband and Jeremy Corbyn also facing backlash for their interactions with the publication.

Despite the controversy, Labour's spokesperson emphasized the need to reach a broad audience to drive governmental change.
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