Diane Abbott to Stand for Labour in General Election Amid Candidate Selection Row
Diane Abbott Confirms Intention to Stand for Labour in General Election
Veteran Labour MP Diane Abbott has announced her intention to stand for Labour in the upcoming general election, following days of speculation regarding her candidacy. Abbott, who has represented Hackney North and Stoke Newington since 1987, stated she is the "adopted Labour candidate" for her constituency.
Speculation and Peerage Offers
The announcement follows a contentious week of campaigning dominated by uncertainty over whether the Labour Party would select her as its candidate. Abbott has denied reports that she was among a number of Labour MPs offered peerages in return for stepping aside. Writing on X, she clarified, "I have never been offered a seat in the Lords, and would not accept one if offered."
Support and Criticism from Allies
Baroness Chakrabarti, a close ally, publicly urged Abbott to consider her position carefully. The Labour peer criticized the party's treatment of Abbott, calling it "appalling," and condemned anonymous briefings suggesting she would be barred from running.
Leadership's Stance
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer confirmed that Abbott would be free to stand for the party, despite reports that its ruling body might bar her. This clarification came after Abbott was readmitted as a Labour MP earlier in the week, following a 13-month investigation into a letter she wrote to a newspaper, in which she made controversial comments about Jewish, Irish, and Traveller people. Abbott apologized and retracted her remarks soon after they were published.
Diane Abbott's Career
Diane Abbott made history in 1987 as the first black woman elected to Parliament. After a long career on the backbenches, she was promoted to Ed Miliband's front bench and held several shadow cabinet positions, including shadow international development secretary and shadow health secretary. A close ally of former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, she served as his shadow home secretary from 2016 to 2020.
Future Prospects
As the general election approaches, Abbott's candidacy and the Labour Party's internal dynamics remain under scrutiny. The full list of candidates for Hackney North and Stoke Newington will be available on the BBC News website after nominations close on Friday.
