U.K.'s first Black woman lawmaker ‘dismayed’ by prospect of being barred from running for Labour
NBCMay 19
Starmer Announces Abbott Can Stand as Labour Candidate
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The Facts
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed that Diane Abbott, the UK's first female Black member of parliament, is "free" to stand as a party candidate following allegations she had been banned from seeking reelection in Hackney North and Stoke Newington.
The Times had reported on Tuesday that Abbott, who has served in Parliament for 37 years, was not to be endorsed as a candidate by Labour's National Executive Committee (NEC) despite having the party whip restored.
The Spin
Narrative A
Starmer's purge of the party's left wing is outrageous and unacceptable. While Abbott has made mistakes and may not see eye to eye on policy with Starmer, Labour's treatment towards one of its most historic and respected figures has been neither fair nor equal to the punishment given to numerous white men within the party. Labour has alienated the entirety of its progressive base, who have now been left without a major political party willing to fight for a better future.
Narrative B
While currently perceived as an unnecessary and self-induced political disaster, Starmer has pulled the trigger on a tough but necessary decision in order for his party to win the general election. Irrespective of Abbott's fate, Starmer's intent is a clear signal of Labour's future direction that will likely reassure the wider voting population in the long term.
Narrative C
Abbott should not be forgiven for her antisemitic comments, and Labour's botched internal investigation highlights the party's complete and utter incompetence. While unlikely to affect the general election outcome, Starmer's weakness and Labour's moral hypocrisy should come as no surprise to the British public.