Diane Abbott Defiant Amid Labour Party Dispute, Vows to Run ‘By Any Means Possible

Diane Abbott declares intent to run in Hackney by all available methods

The Labour MP embroiled in a controversy regarding her position within the party alleges that "the national party" was adamant about prohibiting her candidacy, although Sir Keir Starmer, the leader, refuted claims that any decision had been reached.

Political correspondent @NifS

Wednesday, May 29, 2024, 11:

Diane Abbott has declared her intention to contest her Hackney North seat in the next general election by whatever means necessary.

The whip was reinstated on Tuesday for the Labour MP, after she was under investigation for nearly a year due to a letter she penned in The Guardian which implied that Jewish individuals do not experience racism.

Since that time, there has been uncertainty about whether she would be permitted to run for the seat she has held for more than 37 years under the auspices of her party, or if she would be prohibited from running entirely.

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Earlier on Wednesday, after The Times reported that Ms. Abbott, the first black female MP in the UK, would be prevented from contesting in the election, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer stated that "no decision has been taken to bar" her.

At a gathering in Hackney, east London, she responded to these claims by addressing the audience, saying, "I was astonished yesterday to find out that I am going to be prohibited from contesting under the Labour Party banner.

"I've been chosen by members of my local party branch, several of whom are present right now, yet the national leadership is demanding that I be prohibited from participating."

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Ms. Abbott claimed that the party failed to engage with her directly and did not provide an explanation for the prohibition, stating: "They simply desire to keep me out of parliament.

"I'm incredibly surprised and concerned by the current situation; it seems you can't be a Labour MP unless you're willing to echo the leader's every word."

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The Labour MP expressed that she believed the leadership of her party was dismissively handling her efforts to address equality and poverty issues.

She pledged to continue her struggle, stating, "You have consistently supported me through ups and downs, and I will remain steadfast in my support for you. I refuse to be scared or overwhelmed by external forces that are out of our hands. I will serve as your MP for as long as I am permitted to."

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Ms. Abbott stated, "Reflecting on my initial campaign for Labour MP in 1987, there was considerable skepticism about my chances. The notion of a black woman winning a parliamentary seat was unheard of at the time."

"However, the community rallied, canvassed, and engaged in door-to-door campaigning, which resulted in my election as Britain's first black female member of parliament."

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She added, "I must remain true to that devotion. I must stay true to my values. I must continue to advocate for equality, assist the impoverished, and represent the community here in Hackney."

"I assure you that I will serve as the MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington for as long as I can."

Sky News has reached out to the Labour Party to request a statement.

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