Labour Party’s decision on Diane Abbott for the 2024 General Election

Diane Abbott, the former Shadow Home Secretary, has been given the Labour whip back by party leader Keir Starmer. However, she has been banned from standing as a Labour candidate in the upcoming general election in 2024.

Abbott, who has been a Member of Parliament for Hackney North and Stoke Newington since 1987, had the whip withdrawn in 2020 after she defied the party’s orders and voted against the Brexit deal negotiated by the government.

Starmer’s decision to reinstate Abbott’s whip comes after months of discussions and negotiations between the two. Abbott has been a vocal critic of Starmer’s leadership and has often clashed with him on various issues.

While Abbott will be allowed to participate in party activities and vote with Labour in Parliament, she will not be able to run as a Labour candidate in the next general election. This decision has sparked mixed reactions within the party, with some members welcoming Abbott back and others expressing disappointment at the ban on her candidacy.

Abbott has not yet commented on the decision, but sources close to her have indicated that she is pleased to have the whip back and is looking forward to continuing to serve her constituents and contribute to the party’s work in Parliament.

The reinstatement of Abbott’s whip and the ban on her candidacy are seen as a strategic move by Starmer to maintain party unity while also addressing concerns about Abbott’s past actions. The decision is likely to be closely watched by Labour members and supporters as the party prepares for the next general election.