Diane Abbott is poised to be let back into Labour under Andy Burnham, as a year-long internal disciplinary probe into her antisemitism row nears completion. The investigation is expected to recommend the lifting of her suspension, reports BritPanorama.
The veteran left-winger was suspended as both a Labour MP and party member for the second time last year after stating she did not regret her past remarks regarding racism. In 2024, Abbott suggested that black people experience racism differently from the “prejudice” faced by Jews, Travellers, and the Irish.
The comments prompted her suspension by Sir Keir Starmer, who later readmitted her in time to stand in the general election. However, she was “administratively suspended” once again last year after reiterating her previous remarks.
As the longest-serving MP in the Commons, Abbott currently sits as an independent. Her party membership is anticipated to be reinstated, but the decision regarding her status as a Labour MP will rest with chief whip Anneliese Midgley.
A Labour source indicated optimism regarding Abbott’s swift reinstatement: “Once she has her membership back, I’d imagine Andy will give her the whip back pretty sharpish. Keir waited months before doing it the first time, but the new regime want to keep people onside.”
Other suspended Labour MPs are also awaiting decisions on their situations, including Karl Turner, who was removed from the party for publicly opposing Starmer’s plans to reduce jury trials. He is hopeful about regaining the whip soon and remains in contact with Ms Midgley.
The developments around Abbott illustrate the ongoing complexities within Labour as it navigates internal disciplinary issues while striving for cohesion in the party.
