Electoral Dysfunction: Lee Anderson's defection and the Diane Abbott race row show politics is toxic
Thursday, 14 March 2024 There are some weeks in politics where what Westminster needs is a monsoon to wash away the toxicity enveloping this place and clean up the atmosphere - and this week is one of them.
Lee Anderson has become Reform UK’s first elected MP after retaining the seat of Ashfield in Nottinghamshire. Report by Jonesia. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Jeremy Corbyn has said he 'did everything [he] could' to remain within the Labour Party, and will always support its movement despite running as an Independent candidate for Islington North.
He paid tribute to both Diana Abbott and Faiza Shaheen, describing their treatment by the party as 'appalling and disgraceful'. Report by Alibhaiz. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Sir Keir Starmer says Diane Abbott is "free to go forward" as a Labour candidate in the election. Ms Abbott had the whip restored on Tuesday but media reports said she had been banned from standing as a Labour candidate at the next election. Report by Czubalam. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Labour's shadow science secretary, Peter Kyle, said the party aimed to handle the investigation into Diane Abbott's comments fairly. Kyle stated that the NEC would ensure all representatives meet the high standards set by Sir Keir Starmer, adding that the issue would be resolved within days, allowing Labour to focus on a platform of change for the upcoming election. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner defends Diane Abbott’s choice to stand as a Labour MP at the next general election saying, "I don’t see any reason why Diane Abbott can’t stand at the next general election." "She’s been cleared as part of an investigation, that is a process and for me I just see that if she wants to stand I don’t see any reason why she can’t", she said.
Report by Ajagbef. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Sir Keir Starmer says “no decision has been made” to bar Diane Abbott from standing as a candidate for the Labour Party in July. The Labour leader denies that he is blocking left-wingers standing a for his party, saying “I want the highest-quality candidates”. Report by Blairm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn