Tory Johnny Mercer blasted for ‘disrespectful’ claims on rival’s Marine service

Tory Veterans minister Johnny Mercer has been blasted over “deeply disrespectful” claims about his Labour opponent’s military service record.

Fred Thomas, standing against the senior Conservative in Plymouth Moor View, hit back over Mr Mercer branding him a “Walter Mitty” figure.

Ex-Army captain Mr Mercer took aim at his rival, alleging Mr Thomas had lied – saying he “could not stand up” a claim to have served in combat. But the former Royal Marine has fired back at the Conservative minister – with a certificate showcasing his “command on operations overseas”.

The Admiralty Board certificate of valediction praises Mr Thomas’ seven-year service – with a commanding officer saying he “will always be part of the Royal Marines family”. Mr Mercer won Plymouth Moor View in 2019 with a 12,897 majority but, with Labour looking set to scoop a huge national majority, it represents a key battleground.

It’s not the first time Mr Mercer has called Mr Thomas’ military service into question. In December he claimed Mr Thomas had “served five minutes in uniform.” In fact, he served in the Royal Marines for seven years, achieving the rank of Captain.

On Thursday evening, the Tory minister tweeted: “Hustings before and after.. One of the most unpleasant experiences I’ve had in public life. My opponent lied throughout. He was then challenged on his claim to have served “in combat” by an 11-tour Veteran, which he could not stand up. I cannot believe I am standing against a real life Walter Mitty in Plymouth. If there is one place you don’t want to lie about your military service, it is this City. Veterans in the room – including one who was sunk in the Falklands – erupted and started to walk out. The hustings was ended.

“I respect everyone’s service. Anyone who knows anything about war knows it is all about luck – where you are deployed and when. But the number 1 rule is that you must never lie about it. It’s offensive to those who died. I cannot believe this individual is trying to propagate such a fraud on the people in Plymouth. It’s not about service; it’s about character and integrity. Mind blown.”

And, separately, in a video of the hustings Mr Mercer can be heard saying: “This man has claimed he’s led troops in combat. He never has.”

But Mr Thomas, who served from 2016-2023, said: “I am proud of having served my country for seven years, including overseas on operations. I remain unable to discuss much of my service, something which Johnny Mercer – as a former Defence minister – is keenly aware of. I look forward to using every day until July 4th to take the message of Keir Starmer ’s changed Labour Party to the voters of Plymouth Moor View.”

Meanwhile, a Certificate of Valediction signed by a Special Forces Support Group Commanding Officer says: “I am charged by the Admiralty Board with conferring to you the gratitude of the Service on the occasion of your release from the Royal Marines. You have discharged your responsibilities faithfully over the last 7 years and your service across different Commando Force Units and Specialist partner organisations is of the highest calling.

“You gained leadership, management, and considerable operational experience relative to the time you have served. Your command on operations overseas and training events have seen you lead personnel from diverse backgrounds, ages and experiences in a range of hostile and challenging environments.

“Your roles have required exceptional stakeholder engagement and project management skills. You have made a significant personal contribution to our operational and institutional success; you should be proud of the part you have played.”

The certificate adds: “Having embodied the finest traditions of the Service, you can be immensely proud of your career. You[r] record is testament to your integrity and character: it tells of a dynamic, resourceful, professional and dedicated Royal Marines Commando who is loyal, cheerful and diligent in every endeavor. You will always be part of the Royal Marines family.”

John Healey, Labour’s Shadow Defence Secretary, said: “The Commanding Officer of the Special Forces Support Group wrote of Fred’s integrity and his character. Those words will not have been penned lightly. Mr Mercer should do the right thing and withdraw his deeply disrespectful remarks.”

Al Carns, Former Royal Marines Colonel and Labour’s candidate in Birmingham Selly Oak, added: “Fred Thomas has served in high-threat war zones where the risk to life was a daily occurrence. As a former Colonel, I believe service should be above politics , and we should honour and respect all those who have not only served but also been willing to put their lives at risk for the safety and security of the nation.”

Mr Mercer said: “Fred Thomas has claimed he led men in combat. Veterans present who have, called him out. He hasn’t. No certificate of valediction can correct his lies. He should resign.”