Diane Abbott: Barred from standing as Labour MP

Diane Abbott Reveals She’s Barred from Standing as Labour MP

Veteran MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, Diane Abbott, has announced she is being banned from standing as a Labour MP in the upcoming general election. Despite having the Labour whip restored on Tuesday, a newspaper story soon reported that she would still not be allowed to stand as a Labour candidate on July 4.

In an interview with The Standard on Wednesday, Abbott stated, “I had the whip restored yesterday afternoon but within minutes, they briefed the Times with the story you have probably seen. And it is true.”

Later, Abbott expressed her mixed feelings on Twitter: “Naturally, I am delighted to have the Labour Whip restored and to be a member of the PLP. Thank you to all those who supported me along the way. I will be campaigning for a Labour victory. But I am very dismayed that numerous reports suggest I have been barred as a candidate.”

This situation has caused backlash against Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer from left-wing supporters and some Labour activists. They are particularly concerned about the exclusion of Abbott, Britain’s first female black MP, from standing in the general election.

Starmer responded to the controversy on Wednesday, stating, “I’ve seen various reports. I can only tell you what the factual situation is. As you know, the whip has been restored to Diane Abbott, and no decision’s been taken barring her from standing. That’s the factual position and I’ve been happy to say that when asked to do so.”

The controversy threatened to overshadow Labour’s announcement on Wednesday regarding plans to reduce NHS waiting lists. When asked about the reported ban on Abbott standing, shadow health secretary Wes Streeting told Times Radio, “I’m not aware of the circumstances. I know that Diane had the whip restored and her suspension lifted yesterday. This was following her suspension over remarks that she made for which she later apologized. I know at this stage, in terms of decisions about her candidature, as much as has been reported.”

Re-reported from the article originally published in The standard.