Labour party leader Keir Starmer has decided that longtime MP Diane Abbott cannot run for re-election, despite restoring her party membership.
Key points:
- Diane Abbott has been a Labour MP for over 30 years
- She was suspended last year for comments made online
- Her party membership was just restored, but she cannot run again
- Some see this decision as unfair and humiliating for Abbott
Why is this controversial news? Read on to learn more.
Abbot’s Long Suspension Finally Ended
Diane Abbott is a very experienced Labour politician. She has represented the London area of Hackney as an MP since 1987. However, last year she was suspended from the Labour party for over a year. This was due to comments she made online that party leaders did not approve of.
On Tuesday, Labour finally ended Abbott’s long suspension and restored her full party membership. But in a surprise move, they also announced she would be banned from running again to keep her Hackney seat. This decision has angered many of Abbott’s supporters.
Accusations of Racism and Humiliation
Some have accused Labour of racism for treating the 69-year-old Black MP this way. They argue that white male MPs who made controversial comments were not punished as harshly. Martin Forde KC, who investigated racism in Labour, said:
“It was embarrassing and humiliating I felt for Miss Abbott to be bobbing up and down 46 times to speak about her own treatment…that feeling of hurt and humiliation among elements of the black electorate I’m sure will now be enhanced.”
Forde said Abbott’s very lengthy disciplinary process lasting over a year seems unfair compared to other MPs. He is surprised at the timing right before an election when Labour aims to celebrate diversity.
Labour ministers have not explained exactly why Abbott faced such a harsh punishment. Their radio silence on her case has frustrated Abbott’s allies.
An Ignominious End After 35 Years?
Abbott is a historic figure as the first Black woman elected to Parliament in 1987. Her banning may mark an ignominious end to her decades-long career representing Hackney according to Forde.
While some disagreed with Abbott’s left-wing politics, she still had strong support in her North London constituency. With a majority of over 30,000 votes, many of her local constituents hoped she could decide her own future.
Whether this decision shows bias against the party’s left-wing members as some claim, remains to be seen. But Abbott’s allies are disheartened to see such an iconic politician’s career end this way.
Why do you think Labour decided to ban Diane Abbott from running again despite restoring her membership? Do you see any potential unfair treatment here?
