DIANE Abbott is set to be banned from running as a Labour MP in the election, The Sun understands.
Party chiefs are gearing up to block the veteran left-winger from keeping her Hackney North and Stoke Newington Seat.
Diane Abbott is set to be banned from running as Labour MP in election[/caption]
The ruling National Executive Committee has until next Tuesday to make a final decision – but one could come sooner.
A cohort of the NEC don’t believe that Ms Abbott has expressed “sincere remorse” for comparing antisemitism to being teased for having ginger hair.
Chiefs are considering triggering a “change of circumstances panel” as a way to force her out as candidate.
Either way final decision must be made in the next seven days.
Responding to questions over whether Britain’s first female black MP will get the whip back, Sir Keir Starmer said: “The process as a whole obviously involves both the finding of fact and then the consequent action on the back of that which the chief whip oversees… that always takes time.
“So the process as a whole has not completed, but in the end, it’s a matter for the NEC.”
The independent MP was suspended from the Labour Parliamentary party a year ago after suggesting Jewish people face prejudice – but not racism – similar to “redheads”.
She apologised for the comments, which were sent in a letter to the Observer newspaper.
Labour’s position has come under increased scrutiny because of Sir Keir’s decision to admit Natalie Elphicke into the party.
It came despite her support for Brexit and accusations over her role in lobbying ministers over her then-husband Charlie’s sexual assault case.
