COLCHESTER'S Conservative Parliamentary candidate James Cracknell referred to his own party as a "shower of ****" during an analogy he made in an election campaign video. 

The video, which uploaded onto Mr Cracknell's public Facebook page, came after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak insisting he was “incredibly angry to learn” of the allegations that a string of people with links to the Conservative Party or No 10 bet on the timing of the July 4 contest before he announced it.

The video began with Mr Cracknell saying: "Two weeks out from the Olympics -". 

"If we were competing against the Conservative Party, then my teammates and I would be saying they are a shower of s***."

He added: "So why am I still canvassing and delivering leaflets?"

"Because I believe the 'Conservative way' is the best for our country - freedom to succeed, protection of our national security, and personal responsibility.

Mr Cracknell also said: "My home is in Colchester, and Colchester is an ambitious town.

"And what it needs is someone who will drive the business forward, not accept housing with poor services and poor infrastructure and not accept a city centre that isn't moving forwards."

Gambling - James Cracknell said to not mention the coverage of the Conservative's gambling story would not be true to himselfGambling - James Cracknell said to not mention the coverage of the Conservative's gambling story would not be true to himself (Image: Cracknell4Colchester)

Asked by the Gazette about the video, he said: "With all the coverage currently in the press about gambling, I wouldn't have been true to myself if I ignored it.  

"I was also echoing what mates and people I used to compete with are saying to me".

He added: "The video clearly says I believe in the values of conservatism but do not feel they are currently being demonstrated. I want us to do better, and I want to be a part of rebuilding the party and raising the standards of politics generally."

James Cracknell is standing in Colchester in the upcoming General Election for the Conservatives. Also standing are Pam Cox (Lab), Martin Goss (Lib Dem),  Terrence Longstaff (Reform UK), James Rolfe (Climate Party) and Sara Ruth (Grn).