Thomas Skinner rages at Zack Polanski as Strictly star wades into Greens' Urdu campaign video row: 'If you hate England, I hate YOU!'

The by-election was called following Andrew Gwynne's resignation on health grounds in January, while he faced a parliamentary investigation over offensive WhatsApp messages.

However, in the days leading up to her victory, the Green campaign drew sharp criticism for releasing Urdu and Bangla-language videos promoting its candidate.

The videos also came under fire for linking Sir Keir Starmer to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, featuring footage of the two leaders shaking hands alongside images of Gaza.

Campaign materials also showed Ms Spencer wearing a keffiyeh while posing before a mosque, with Urdu text reading: "Labour must be punished for Gaza."

Reform's candidate Matt Goodwin described the Urdu video as "blatant sectarianism," criticising its failure to communicate in English.

However, Green Party leader Zack Polanski appeared to revel in the controversy his party's campaign videos were causing.

So much so, he returned to social media to promote another campaign video in Bangla.

"The right-wing trolls hated seeing our campaign video in Urdu. So here it is in Bangla instead. I love our party!" Mr Polanski penned earlier this week.

Among those unhappy with Mr Polanski and the Greens' approach was Strictly Come Dancing star Mr Skinner, who let rip on the politician on X.

"Zach. Put it in any language you want," Mr Skinner fumed. "You’re still a massive b**lend who ain’t got a clue about the real world. Bosh." (sic)

Mr Skinner drew criticism for his personal attack on Mr Polanski, but he stood firm. In a now-deleted tweet, Mr Skinner said if someone "hates England", then he in turn "hates" them.

The former Apprentice candidate continued to face a tirade of abuse from his critics, with many dredging up his past run-ins with the law as a stick to beat him with.

Mr Skinner has been open about his past after facing floods of backlash for his stint on the BBC dance competition, Strictly.

He addressed the furore yet again following his tirade against Mr Polanski. "I've been to prison. I’ve made a mistake in my relationship. I’ve been involved in crime. I’ve stood up for what I believe in and been taken down by mainstream media," he began.

"Yet I have a beautiful wife. 3 beautiful kids. I employ 14 people. Live in a wonderful home. Have a fantastic life. Have a brilliant group of mates.

"Spend my time talking to youngsters about staying on the right path. Try to spread videos online every day to encourage others to be positive." (

Addressing the X user who brought up his history directly, he signed off: "I know you’re angry and you hate me and want to take me down. But that says more about you than me. I’m here for you son. Stay positive." (sic)

Following the by-election result on Thursday night, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage reiterated the concerns that Mr Goodwin voiced over the Greens' campaign videos.

Mr Farage branded the Green victory "a victory for sectarian voting and cheating," though Reform chairman Dr David Bull confirmed the party would not contest the result, acknowledging the alleged irregularities likely had minimal impact.

Elsewhere, Labour MPs responded to the defeat with open calls for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's departure.

Alloa and Grangemouth MP Brian Leishman declared: "Sir Keir Starmer made a selfish decision in blocking Andy Burnham from standing, and it's yet another example of him and his advisors making bad judgment calls. He has to go for the good of Labour, Scotland, and the UK."

Unite's Sharon Graham called the outcome a "wake-up call," urging Labour to "stop listening to your rich mates and start listening to everyday people."

Former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner also set tongues wagging with a rather cryptic response to Labour's loss to the Greens.

"This result must be a wake up call. It’s time to really listen - and to reflect. Voters want the change that we promised - and they voted for," she penned on X.

Ms Rayner added: "If we want to unrig the system, if we want to make the change we were sent into Government to make, we have to be braver. A labour agenda that puts people first.

"That’s what all of us across our movement need to rededicate ourselves to this morning." (sic)