Title: Diane Abbott’s Future in Labour Party Uncertain Despite Thawing Relations with Starmer
When Keir Starmer walked up the steps of the Commons to the green leather benches where Diane Abbott was sitting at prime minister’s questions this week, some took it as a sign of thawing relations. The veteran MP has been sitting as an independent since she had the Labour whip removed almost a year ago, as the party sought to head off a fresh antisemitism storm after she played down suggestions of racism against Jewish people.
However, this week, the Guardian revealed that Britain’s longest-serving black MP had been the subject of comments by Frank Hester that have been widely condemned as racist and misogynistic. It emerged that the Conservatives’ biggest donor had made derogatory remarks about Abbott, sparking controversy.
In the Commons, Abbott had not been permitted to ask a question of her own during the session dominated by the controversy. Later, Abbott revealed that Starmer had offered his support, but the chances of her rejoining the parliamentary Labour party (PLP) seem remote.
Starmer clarified that Abbott’s suspension was for a different issue from the Hester row and emphasized the need to address the abhorrent language used by the Tory donor. Abbott, who became the first black woman to be elected to parliament in 1987, was stripped of the whip last April after making controversial remarks.
Despite calls from various party members for Abbott to be reinstated, including from figures like John McDonnell and Ed Balls, the decision remains uncertain. Labour’s deputy leader, Angela Rayner, expressed her personal desire to see Abbott back in the fold but stressed the need to follow party procedures.
As the next election approaches, questions will inevitably arise about Abbott’s political future and whether she will be allowed to stand again. Rumors of a potential deal for Abbott to have the whip reinstated as long as she agrees to stand down from her Hackney seat have surfaced, but her supporters on the left want her to continue serving in parliament.
Officially, Labour has not provided a timeline for any decision regarding Abbott’s reinstatement. Her political future remains unclear as the party navigates sensitive issues and disciplinary processes. Despite the thawing of relations with Starmer, Abbott’s path back to the Labour party remains uncertain.