Sir Keir Starmer has criticised a political candidate who accused his rival of lying about his military record. The Labour leader said Conservative Johnny Mercer was "sad and desperate" after he claimed Fred Thomas, a former Royal Marine standing for Labour in the constituency of Plymouth Moor View, was never "in combat missions" as was reported in the Guardian in 2023 . Mr Mercer, a former Army officer and veterans' minister, said Mr Thomas "should be held to account" after accusing him of "boasting" his military service.
Mr Thomas said he remained "unable to discuss much of my service". Speaking to reporters in London, Sir Keir said Mr Thomas was a veteran "who's got a proud record of service". He said the comments showed the Conservatives were "party first through and through and country second" which was the "wrong way round".
"I think this is sad desperation that the veterans minister is attacking another veteran who's got a proud record of service," he said. "It's desperate." Responding, Mr Mercer said: "I am guilty as charged for being a sad man who is rather old fashioned and thinks veterans who boast in newspapers about their record in combat in order to get elected should be held to account, particularly if it turns out to be untrue.
"It is deeply offensive and disrespectful to those who do actually shed blood for the nation." Mr Thomas said he had proudly served his country for seven years "including overseas on operations". "I remain unable to discuss much of my s.
