Diane Abbott’s Labour Reinstatement: Cleared but Barred from Election Candidacy Amid Antisemitism Row

Diane Abbott's Labour Party membership reinstated following probe into antisemitic remarks; however, she alleges she'll be barred from contesting in the general election for the party

The UK's pioneering black female MP faced suspension from the party the previous year due to her statements regarding Jewish individuals and racism.

By Alix Culbertson and Jennifer Scott, political correspondents

Wednesday, May 29, 2024, 11:

Diane Abbott has been reinstated with the Labour Party whip following a review of her behavior, although she has informed Sky News that she will not be eligible to run as a Labour candidate.

Ms. Abbott, who holds the distinction of being the first black woman elected to parliament, was suspended from her party last year following the publication of a letter in The Guardian. In it, she claimed that Jewish individuals do not experience racism but rather face discrimination akin to that experienced by redheads.

Shortly after the publication, she issued an apology but continued to serve as an independent Member of Parliament for over a year as the party's national executive committee conducted its investigation.

Sky News has learned that as of Tuesday, the experienced MP has had her party membership reinstated, potentially clearing her path to seek re-election for the Labour Party in her Hackney North constituency in the upcoming July election, should she choose to do so.

She informed Sky News on Wednesday that the Labour Party is not permitting her to run as a candidate in the general election scheduled for July 4.

"She stated that up until last night, she had not received any communication directly from the party involved."

She confirmed that the claims about the Labour leadership deciding she will never be a candidate for their party are accurate.

Ms. Abbott has not yet announced whether she plans to run as an independent candidate.

She subsequently posted on social media: "I am extremely disheartened to hear that many reports indicate I have been disqualified from candidacy."

A source from the Labour Party informed Sky News: "At this point in the general election cycle, they can simply appoint a candidate directly, and the local party has no recourse."

Her longtime ally and ex-Labour chief Jeremy Corbyn, previously suspended and later prohibited from representing Labour due to a controversy involving antisemitism, is running as an independent candidate in the adjacent Islington North.

Stay updated: Current updates on the general election

Since 1987, Ms. Abbott has served as a Labour MP, marking a historic moment as the first black woman to be elected to the House of Commons.

A prominent figure in the party's left wing and a close associate of Mr. Corbyn, she also held the position of his shadow home secretary while he was in charge.

In April, her temporary removal was met with approval by numerous Members of Parliament from various parties and by organizations within the Jewish community.

As the probe into her behavior extended, there were also increasing inquiries regarding the intentions of the present leaders and if she would be reinstated into the party.

Stay informed about the newest developments both in the UK and globally by tuning into Sky News.

Speculation intensified following an article in The Guardian that revealed comments made by Frank Hester, a major donor to the Conservatives, in which he expressed that Ms. Abbott provoked him to "hate all black women" and even stated that she "should be shot."

Numerous members of the Labour Party urged for her reinstatement at this point, yet although Sir Keir Starmer, the party leader, was observed showing her backing in the assembly, he consistently stated that the investigation must be completed.

Earlier on Tuesday, there were rumors that Ms. Abbott could be completely ousted from the party, along with assertions that the investigation had concluded several months earlier.

There were indications that she might align with her colleague and supporter, Mr. Corbyn, by running as an independent candidate in the general election scheduled for July 4.

Just before 7pm on Tuesday, it was revealed by Sky News that she had been restored to her position.

Stay ahead with the latest Breaking News

Download the Sky News application at no cost

While campaigning in Hertfordshire on Tuesday, Sir Keir was questioned by journalists regarding her situation but remained reserved in his response, stating, "Overall, the process is clearly more extended than the mere fact-finding aspect."

"Ultimately, the resolution of this issue falls to the National Executive Committee, which will address it when appropriate."

Conservative Party chairman Richard Holden stated that it was unimaginable that Sir Keir was not informed that the process had concluded.

"Absolutely no exceptions," Mr. Holden declared. "This is not just another reversal or a change in policy direction. Sir Keir Starmer has clearly deceived the British public and must address significant concerns."

Associated Subjects

Footer of Sky News

Information About Sky News

Services Provided by Sky News

Sky Network Channels

Additional Sky Websites