Diane Abbott Vows to Contest Hackney Seat ‘By Any Means’ Amidst Labour Party Dispute

Diane Abbott vows to run for Hackney 'whatever it takes'

Labour MP Diane Abbott, embroiled in controversy regarding her continued role within the party, asserts that "the national party" demanded she be prohibited from standing for election, despite denials from leader Sir Keir Starmer that any final decision has been reached.

Political correspondent @NifS

Wednesday, May 29, 2024, 23:

Diane Abbott has announced her intention to contest her Hackney North seat in the forthcoming general election by all available methods.

The Labour MP was reinstated to the party on Tuesday following a nearly year-long investigation into a letter she penned in The Guardian, which implied that Jewish individuals do not experience racism.

Since that time, uncertainty has emerged about whether she will be permitted to run for the same district she has served for more than 37 years under the auspices of her party, or if she will be prohibited from running altogether.

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

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

"My local party constituents, several of whom are present, have chosen me; however, the national party is demanding my prohibition."

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Ms. Abbott has criticized the party for failing to personally engage with her and for not providing an explanation for her prohibition, stating: "They simply wish to keep me out of parliament.

"I'm utterly astonished and deeply concerned by the current situation, as it seems you can't be a Labour MP without echoing the leader's every word."

Explore further: Beth Rigby's analysis describes the Abbott controversy as a persistent distraction for the Labour Party.

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The Labour MP expressed her frustration, feeling that her party's leadership was dismissively handling her efforts to address equality and poverty issues.

She pledged to continue her struggle, stating, "You have consistently supported me through thick and thin, and I will always be there for you. I refuse to be intimidated or scared by elements outside our control. I will serve as your MP for as long as I am permitted to."

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Ms. Abbott stated, "When I initially campaigned for the position of Labour MP in 1987, many doubted my chances of success. They believed that electing a black woman to Parliament was impossible, as it had never occurred before."

"However, community members actively campaigned, canvassed neighborhoods, and ultimately led to my election as Britain's first black female member of parliament."

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She added, "It's essential that I remain true to that devotion. I must stay true to my values. I need to continue advocating for equality, the less fortunate, and the local community here in Hackaliy."

"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 for a statement.

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