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Former Labour MP Chris Williamson hints at plans for new party
Ex-politician slams Jeremy Corbyn's 'despicable' suspension
November 12, 2020 17:04
Ex-politician slams Jeremy Corbyn's 'despicable' suspension
November 12, 2020 17:04Former Labour MP Chris Williamson has hinted at plans to set up a new left-wing party in a video slamming the “despicable” treatment of former leader Jeremy Corbyn.
Mr Williamson, who is not a Labour member, said in a video posted to Twitter Thursday that “people are rightly indignant at the despicable way in which a man who inspired millions has been treated by his own party.”
In his video, the former Derby North politician said that Labour’s response to the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s findings on antisemitism had “transformed the political zeitgeist.
“So I’m now actively discussing the prospects for a new party with key figures in the movement and how we can build meaningful collaboration between existing progressive left-wing parties and groups.”
In a tweet accompanying the video he criticised Sir Keir Starmer's "outright assault on the left" and said it was "time to accelerate efforts to create a genuinely anti-imperialist, socialist party."
Mr Williamson was suspended last year from the Labour Party for his comments about its response to criticism over its handling of allegations of antisemitism.
He was reinstated in June 2019 with a formal warning but was re-suspended two days later when the party decided to review the disciplinary decision amid claims by the Board of Deputies suggesting he had been involved in “Jew baiting.”
He stood as an independent candidate in the December General Election after resigning from Labour but lost his deposit.
Mr Corbyn was suspended from the party pending an investigation after his response to the equality watchdog’s damning report into antisemitism in Labour, which found “unlawful” acts of discrimination and harassment.
Mr Corbyn had said that antisemitism within the party was “dramatically overstated” by his opponents and the media.
But his successor, Sir Keir Starmer, who has sought to mend relations with the Jewish community, pledged to set up an “independent complaints process” and praised the “comprehensive, rigorous, and thoroughly professional report.”
Mr Williamson was a vocal supporter of Mr Corbyn’s leadership and a controversial figure throughout his tenure as leader.
Labour declined to comment.
