Diane Abbott is "free" to stand as a Labour MP at the General Election, Sir Keir Starmer has said today.
The Labour leader's latest position comes appears to be a major climbdown amid an escalating row over the suspension and readmission of Abbott to the Labour Party.
It comes just one day after Angela Rayner said the former MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington should be able to stand as a Labour candidate.
The Labour leader's latest position comes appears to be a major climbdown amid an escalating row over the suspension and readmission of Abbott to the Labour Party.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar also broke ranks with Starmer to argue Abbott deserved the chance to represent Labour.
He said Abbott is a "trailblazer" with a "strong history in the Labour Party".
Asked if she should be allowed to run as a candidate, he said: “I agree with Angela.”
The day before, Starmer's deputy had said: "I don’t see any reason why Diane Abbott can’t stand as a Labour MP".
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