Connect with us

Published

on

Labour has launched the process to select a general election candidate to replace Jeremy Corbyn in the London seat of Islington North.

The former Labour leader has had the party whip suspended since 2020 over his response to a report into antisemitism, meaning he currently sits as an independent MP.

Last year he was effectively blocked from standing for Labour after the party’s ruling National Executive Committee (NEC) backed a motion to prevent him from being endorsed for the seat he has represented for more than 40 years.

The veteran MP was first elected to represent Islington North in 1983 and has won it at each of the last 10 elections, often by a comfortable margin.

Mr Corbyn, who remains a Labour member, has still not said whether he plans to run as an independent. Doing so could result in him being suspended from the party he has been part of for 50 years.

Applications to be selected to run for Labour in the seat opened on Wednesday, with candidates expected to be shortlisted next week.

The hustings will take place online, with Labour dismissing suggestions this is unusual. The result is expected to be announced on 1 June, according to reports.

More on Jeremy Corbyn

Momentum, a grass-roots group set up in the wake of Mr Corbyn’s leadership election victory back in 2015, hit out at the decision to bar Mr Corbyn from standing – pointing to his support among local Labour members.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Labour ‘lost our way’ but ‘has changed’

Momentum chair Kate Dove said: “Jeremy Corbyn has loyally represented the people of Islington North for over 40 years and remains a Labour member of more than 50 years.

“His own local party voted unanimously to express support for Jeremy and assert their right to choose their own parliamentary candidate.

“Labour members in Islington North should decide if they want Jeremy to continue as their Labour candidate, not Keir Starmer’s Westminster clique. Democracy demands it.”

Mr Corbyn has not commented on the selection process opening.

Keir Starmer defending serving in Jeremy Corbyn's cabinet. Pic: PA
Image:
Sir Keir Starmer served in Corbyn’s shadow cabinet when he was leader. Pic: PA

He has previously called the ban on him standing a “shameful attack on party democracy” and hinted he could stand as an independent, saying: “I have spent my life fighting for a fairer society on behalf of the people of Islington North, and I have no intention of stopping now.”

Mr Corbyn was suspended from the parliamentary party in October 2020 over his reaction to a report by the EHRC which was critical of the party’s handling of antisemitism complaints under his leadership.

Follow Sky News on WhatsApp
Follow Sky News on WhatsApp

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Tap here

Immediately after its publication, Mr Corbyn claimed “the scale of the problem” of Labour antisemitism allegations was “dramatically overstated for political reasons by our opponents”.

Sir Keir Starmer, who served in Mr Corbyn’s shadow cabinet, has insisted there is no way back into the party for his predecessor, arguing that allowing him to stand at the next election would lead to Labour’s chances of winning power being “significantly diminished”.

Continue Reading

Politics

Bitzlato co-founder requests US pardon after guilty plea — Report

Published

on

By

Bitzlato co-founder requests US pardon after guilty plea — Report

Bitzlato co-founder requests US pardon after guilty plea — Report

US President Donald Trump has issued five pardons for figures in the crypto and blockchain industries, and may have received requests from Changpeng Zhao and Sam Bankman-Fried.

Continue Reading

Politics

US Democrats push back on digital asset bills with ‘anti-crypto corruption week’

Published

on

By

US Democrats push back on digital asset bills with ‘anti-crypto corruption week’

US Democrats push back on digital asset bills with ‘anti-crypto corruption week’

House Republicans announced a “crypto week” to consider three digital asset bills starting on Monday, but Democratic leaders are pushing back.

Continue Reading

Politics

Grayscale calls out SEC delay of Digital Large Cap Fund ETF listing

Published

on

By

Grayscale calls out SEC delay of Digital Large Cap Fund ETF listing

Grayscale calls out SEC delay of Digital Large Cap Fund ETF listing

Attorneys for Grayscale argued that the US regulator’s delay of the approval or disapproval decision clashes with existing statutes.

Continue Reading

Trending