An investigation into Diane Abbott over comments she made on racism was concluded in December 2023, according to a report by BBC Newsnight. The senior MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington was formally warned over her conduct and required to undertake an “anti-Semitism awareness course”. A source close to the member of parliament claimed despite this, she had not been informed if she could stand as a Labour candidate in her constituency for the general election.
Abbott, who had been a loyal supporter of former party leader Jeremy Corbyn, was suspended from her position more than a year ago after she suggested Irish, Jewish, and Traveller people were not subjected to racism “all their lives”. Following this, the politician apologized on a social media platform and withdrew her remarks. Her suspension has yet to be lifted, and the source accused the party of delaying the process to prevent her from standing as a candidate at the election.
The National Executive Committee (NEC) of Labour wrote to Abbott in December 2023, indicating the conclusion of its eight-month inquiry into her comments. The NEC delivered a formal warning to her stating her “engagement in conduct” that was found to be “prejudicial and grossly detrimental to the Labour Party”. It advised her to participate in an “online, e-learning module”.
Soon after completing the module in February, Abbott reportedly received an email from the chief whip of the Labour party acknowledging that she had completed it. The party declined to comment on the disciplinary cases, while the BBC’s report of the inquiry states that Labour leader Keir Starmer believes the “disciplinary process” is being completed soon, with just a few days remaining until the deadline for the candidates. Abbott has been sitting in Parliament as an independent MP currently, and she is not allowed to represent the Labour party
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