Tory leadership campaign video filmed at St James' Park 'not approved' by Newcastle United

Newcastle United says a campaign video for the Conservative Party leadership candidate Robert Jenrick at St James' Park "was not approved" by anyone connected with the club.

The Tory leadership hopeful's campaign team released a social media video of him speaking to former club chairman Sir John Hall pitchside at St James' Park.

Newcastle United's head of Media and Communications Lee Marshall said that the Club had been told that Sir John "wished to film a biographical piece on his own life."

However, a statement issued on behalf of Sir John Hall said:

"Sir John had absolutely nothing to do with the arrangements for the meeting with Robert Jenrick at St James’ Park. Those arrangements were made between the local conservative association and St. James' Park directly. Sir John was simply asked to attend.

"Separate to this occasion, Sir John arranged with the club to film part of his life story at St James' Park, which they kindly allowed him to do, and this took place on 17th July.

"These are two completely separate occasions and in no way connected."

Ahead of the 2024 General Election, Sir John Hall - who had previously been a longstanding supporter of the Conservatives - came out in support of Reform UK.

When approached for comment, a spokesperson for Robert Jenrick's campaign team said: "Robert Jenrick was up in the North East and was keen to meet Sir John for a brief engagement.The meeting was arranged at a place of convenience by their respective teams."

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