Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner said there was no reason for Diane Abbott not to stand in the July 4 contest.
Angela Rayner has backed Labour veteran Diane Abbott to stand at the General Election as the party leadership denied an attempt to “purge” left-wingers.
Her comments are more forthright than party leader Sir Keir Starmer, who has repeatedly said no decision has yet been taken about whether Ms Abbott, who in 1987 became the first black woman elected to Parliament, will be allowed to defend her Hackney North and Stoke Newington seat.
The whip was restored on Tuesday, but Ms Abbott said she was “dismayed” by reports that she could be barred as a candidate.Ms Rayner told The Guardian: “I want to see her be able to retire with her 37 years of service being respected and being celebrated.
Mr Russell-Moyle cannot stand in the July 4 election after being suspended by Labour over what he called a “vexatious and politically-motivated complaint” against him. Ms Abbott said the situation was “appalling” and asked: “Whose clever idea has it been to have a cull of left wingers?”
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