Diane Abbott has criticised Labour leader Keir Starmer for his lack of support during the controversy over comments made by Tory donor Frank Hester, who said Abbott “should be shot.”
Despite the outcry that followed, Abbott claimed in an interview with Newsnight that she received more backing from SNP leader Stephen Flynn than from Starmer. She expressed disappointment that her party didn’t offer advice on security or sympathy, despite using the incident to raise funds from members.
Abbott said it felt “strange” that while Labour was condemning the comments publicly and fundraising on the issue, she felt personally sidelined. The incident occurred while Abbott was suspended by Labour over comments she made about Jewish people, with the whip being restored in May.
Despite her long parliamentary career and support from figures like Angela Rayner, there were initial reports suggesting Starmer had no plans for her to stand in the next general election.
Labour has denied accusations that the leadership attempted to push Abbott out, with a spokesperson emphasising that Starmer “respects” Abbott and recognises the abuse she has faced due to her gender and race.
They stressed that both Starmer and the party condemned Hester’s comments and reached out to Abbott at the time. Abbott was re-elected as MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington with a 15,000 majority, a seat she has held since 1987.
The row brings fresh attention to Starmer’s handling of high-profile members within his party and his relationship with Abbott, who has been a trailblazer for diversity and equality in British politics for more than three decades.
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