Angela Rayner: Keir Starmer is not acting in a factional way

Ms Abbott was suspended as a Labour MP in April 2023 after saying Jewish, Irish and Traveller people do not face racism “all their lives”.

She apologised and was readmitted to the parliamentary party following a lengthy investigation.

However, she now says she has been “banned from running” for the party in Hackney North and Stoke Newington.

Asked if he was blocking left-wing candidates, Sir Keir said: “No. I’ve said repeatedly over the past two years as we’ve selected our candidates that I want the highest quality candidates.”

He praised Ms Abbott, saying “she overcame incredible challenges to achieve what she achieved in her career.

“She literally carved out the path for others to come into politics and she did all that whilst also being one of the most abused MPs across all political parties.”

Asked about Sir Keir’s reaction to the row, Ms Rayner told Sky News: “I’m pretty certain that Keir would see that as a frustration because actually Keir is not focused on what’s going on in the Labour Party.

“He’s focused on what he would do as prime minister and how he will change the country for the better.”

Asked if there was a purge of left-wing candidates, she said: “I don’t think Keir is acting in a factional way.

“You do have factions in the Labour Party but our party will only succeed if we’re a broad church.”

Ms Rayner’s comments seem to suggest there could be a split between Sir Keir – or his team – and his deputy.

Unless the party can find a way of resolving Ms Abbott’s status, the row risks overwhelming the party’s campaign message.