U-turn on Election Candidacy
Sir Keir Starmer has reversed his decision and allowed Diane Abbott to stand as a Labour candidate in the upcoming election, following a backlash over attempts to block her.
Decision Amidst Backlash
The Labour leader faced pressure from within the party, including his deputy Angela Rayner and Scots leader Anas Sarwar, to permit Abbott to run in Hackney North despite previous uncertainty.
Praise for Diane Abbott
Sir Keir praised Abbott as a "trailblazer" for her groundbreaking role as the first black woman MP elected in 1987, and highlighted her contribution to politics and public life.
Support from Party Members
Anas Sarwar and Angela Rayner publicly supported Abbott's candidacy, with Sarwar describing her as a trailblazer with a strong history in the Labour Party.
Chaos in Labour Party
The decision comes after days of chaos within the party, with criticism from the Tories and concerns raised about Sir Keir's leadership abilities in handling internal disputes.
Red-faced Campaigning
The ongoing standoff between Abbott and the party leadership has led to embarrassment for Sir Keir, especially as he campaigns with Anas Sarwar amidst the controversy.
Criticism from Opposition
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt criticized Sir Keir for his handling of the situation, questioning his ability to deal with challenges if he cannot manage internal party issues effectively.
