Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed that Diane Abbott is "free to go forward as a Labour candidate," putting an end to speculation regarding the veteran
left-winger's future. Ms. Abbott, who was the first female black MP, had earlier claimed that she was banned from standing for Labour in the upcoming general election on 4 July.
Sir Keir has now endorsed Ms. Abbott's candidacy for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, a seat she has represented since 1987. Although the final decision rests with Labour's National Executive Committee, a senior party source told the BBC that the committee will not block her from standing.
In response to the developments, Ms. Abbott stated, "I will not be making any comment until next week but the narrative looks positive." At a rally outside Hackney Town Hall on Tuesday, she asserted, "I promise you that as long as it is possible, I will be the Member of Parliament for Hackney North and Stoke Newington."
Momentum, a left-wing Labour group, celebrated the decision as "a huge victory" for Ms. Abbott. A spokesperson for Momentum remarked, "Starmer tried to force her out. She held firm - and won. You come at the queen, you better not miss."
This announcement follows a week of tension between Ms. Abbott and the Labour leadership. Sir Keir had previously avoided addressing questions about Ms. Abbott's future, even after reports suggested she had been blocked from standing despite having the whip restored. Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner also voiced support for Ms. Abbott, saying, "I don't see any reason why Diane Abbott can't stand as a Labour MP."
A Conservative Party spokesperson criticized Sir Keir, claiming he is a "weak leader who's losing control of the Labour Party" under pressure from Angela Rayner.
Ms. Abbott was suspended from Labour last year after controversial comments regarding prejudice faced by Jewish, Irish, and Traveller communities. She apologized on social media and withdrew her remarks, but the incident led to her sitting as an Independent MP for an extended period.
Labour is currently embroiled in a contentious internal struggle, with accusations that Sir Keir is purging left-wing candidates in favor of his supporters. Ms. Rayner has denied that Sir Keir is acting "in a factional way."
Former Brighton MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle, recently suspended following a complaint about his behavior, claimed Labour was favoring Sir Keir's allies. He was replaced by Chris Ward, a former advisor to Sir Keir, as Labour's candidate for Brighton Kemptown. The BBC has not disclosed the nature of the complaint against Russell-Moyle.
A Labour Party spokesperson stated, "The Labour Party takes all complaints extremely seriously and they are fully investigated in line with our rules and procedures, and any appropriate disciplinary action is taken."
Mr. Russell-Moyle suggested his suspension was suspiciously timed and alleged that preferential treatment was being given to Sir Keir's allies. "Quite clearly the timing for me is highly suspicious. The appointment of the person replacing me is highly suspicious," he said.
Additionally, Shama Tatler of the Starmer-supporting Labour to Win group has been selected as the Labour candidate for Chingford and Woodford Green, replacing Faiza Shaheen, who was barred despite already launching her campaign. Ms. Shaheen has threatened legal action and accused some within Labour of engaging in "a systematic campaign of racism, Islamophobia, and bullying." Photo by Policy Exchange, Wikimedia commons.