The Labour party spent much of Wednesday discussing the future of Diane Abbott, Britain’s first Black female MP, amid claims of a calculated attack on the party’s left. By the end of the day, two other left-wing candidates had been suspended, and right-wing candidates were parachuted into winnable seats.
Abbott confirmed she was told she would not be allowed to stand, but Sir Keir Starmer later said no decision had been made. Last night, Abbott said she wanted to remain an MP as long as possible. Her candidacy for Hackney North and Stoke Newington remains unconfirmed.
The case of Faiza Shaheen, who secured a swing against the Tories in her 2019 contest, has been closed. She was told she was removed over 14 historical tweets. Lloyd Russell-Moyle and Apsana Begum also face suspension or deselection.
Starmer’s allies insist all steps have been by the book, but critics view it as a purge. The labour leader faces questions about the composition of a likely next government.
