Labour MP’s husband accused of exaggerating military career after lying about Royal Marines service

A LABOUR MP’s husband has been accused of “stolen valour” for exaggerating his military service.

Councillor Greg Brackenridge, 53, has boasted of being a Royal Marine — but never finished training.

The ex-Wolverhampton mayor — who told voters he had a “professional career” in the elite force — has been pictured wearing a Royal Marines Corps tie and what appears to be a badge for veterans of the 1990-91 Gulf War.

His wife Sureena won the Wolverhampton North East seat for Labour in July and their son Ciaran is also a Wolverhampton councillor.

In a 2021 interview, while mayor, former firefighter Cllr Brackenridge told journalists: “I served as a Royal Marine myself when I left school.”

He allegedly told colleagues he served for a number of years in 45 Commando.

But The Sun understands he failed to complete the 32-week training in 1988 and left at the rank of recruit without earning his coveted Green Beret.

A source said: “Until you pass out, you’re still a recruit, you’re not really a Royal Marine.”

The Walter Mitty Hunters Club, which exposes military imposters, called it “an insult” to the corps.

This week Cllr Brackenridge said his military career was “cut short” for personal reasons.

Wolverhampton Council said: “Where any allegations are made against a councillor, they will be dealt with through the council’s Code of Conduct process.”

Cllr Brackenridge added that he was pictured wearing a Wolverhampton County Council badge, which was not related to the military.