Edmunds

Both were from Hargrave near Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk, but only Tom, 21, had travelling experience as he had spent about 10 months in South America and Europe.

Elsewhere in Suffolk, the futuristic-looking Debenhams building in Bury St Edmunds has had a happier ending.

Donna Edmunds, who was elected for Hodnet Ward in Shropshire, was suspended following a post on X about her plans to defect from the party after the local elections.

"I thought I was joining a party. It turned out I had joined a cult," Edmunds said in a statement.

With regard to Edmunds' specific case, a spokesperson previously said they would not comment on the details until the party's own investigation into the case had concluded.