Labour’s Hypocrisy: Abbott Barred Unfairly
The Labour Party barred Diane Abbott, Britain’s first Black woman MP, from the upcoming general election. Meanwhile, they warmly welcomed right-wing MP Natalie Elphicke. This move starkly displays hypocrisy. This decision reveals a double standard and questions Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership integrity within Labour.
Despite her readmission to the party, the Labour Party informed Diane Abbott, suspended in April 2023 for controversial racist comments, that she cannot contest her Hackney North seat. In the last election, this seat had a Labour majority of over 33,000, highlighting Abbott’s substantial support and party contribution.
The timing and handling of the decision to lift her suspension after an investigation raise eyebrows. BBC Newsnight revealed that the investigation was concluded five months ago, in December 2023. Yet, Sir Keir Starmer repeatedly misled the public, claiming the investigation was ongoing as recently as last Friday. Starmer’s history of policy reversals and misleading statements on national television highlights a troubling pattern of dishonesty.
Abbott received a formal warning from Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC) for comments deemed prejudicial and detrimental to the party. In February, she finished an antisemitism awareness course, but the party still blocked her candidacy, a punitive and politically motivated move.
In stark contrast, Natalie Elphicke, a known right-wing figure, has been embraced by Labour. Left-wing supporters are infuriated by this blatant double standard, feeling “sickened and disgusted” by Starmer’s treatment of Abbott. Momentum rightly points out that Starmer’s actions are “appalling, vindictive, and cruel,” sentiments echoed by many who perceive a broader left-wing purge.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak‘s call for Labour to “clear up” this issue increases the pressure, revealing that the party’s leadership is mired in confusion and duplicity. The Scottish National Party has also condemned Starmer’s treatment of Abbott, highlighting a “total lack of judgment” from Labour’s leadership.
Throughout her illustrious three-decade career, Abbott has shown unwavering dedication to her constituents and made history as Parliament’s first Black woman. Despite her contributions, Labour’s current leadership’s arbitrary and hypocritical decisions cast uncertainty over her political future.
Meanwhile, former Labour MP Graham Jones, also suspended over comments about Israel, has had his suspension lifted, although his candidacy remains unclear. Similarly, Jeremy Corbyn, suspended in 2020, will stand as an independent candidate in Islington North, demonstrating the ongoing fractures within Labour.
This situation not only exposes internal conflicts and double standards within Labour but also casts doubt on Sir Keir Starmer’s credibility. With his repeated policy U-turns and deceptive statements regarding Diane Abbott’s investigation, many question if Sir Keir Starmer is trustworthy at all. As the general election nears, Labour supporters and the wider electorate will surely ponder this question deeply.