Diane Abbott free to stand for Labour, says Starmer

Ms Abbott has yet to comment.

But speaking at a rally outside Hackney Town Hall on Tuesday, she said: “I promise you that as long as it is possible, I will be the Member of Parliament for Hackney North and Stoke Newington.”

Left-wing Labour group Momentum called the decision “a huge victory” for Ms Abbott.

A Momentum spokesperson said: “Starmer tried to force her out. She held firm – and won.

“You come at the queen, you better not miss.”

The last week has been dominated by a stand-off between Ms Abbott and the Labour leadership.

Sir Keir had repeatedly dodged questions on Ms Abbott’s future, even after she appeared to confirm reports in the Times newspaper, external that she had been blocked from standing as a Labour candidate despite having the whip restored.

On Thursday deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner raised the pressure on Sir Keir, telling Sky News: “I don’t see any reason why Diane Abbott can’t stand as a Labour MP.”

A Conservative Party spokesperson said: “Angela Rayner is pushing Keir Starmer around.

“Under pressure, he’s showing he’s a weak leader who’s losing control of the Labour Party.”

Ms Abbott was suspended from Labour last year after suggesting Jewish, Irish and Traveller people experience prejudice, but not racism “all their lives”, sparking a long-running process which saw her sit as an Independent MP.

She apologised on X, formerly known as Twitter, and withdrew her remarks.