Writing on Monday to Jennie Formby, Labour’s General Secretary, Dame Margaret’s lawyers condemned the “hasty and ill-thought out” disciplinary action against her, saying it “defies recognised standard of due process”.
They added: “Your threat to suspend our client if she repeats this non-particularised conduct appears to be a veiled attempt to silence her.
“Again, it is a fundamental breach of natural justice and principles of fairness. You have left out client in the bizarre position whereby possible suspension is hanging over her for future unspecified behaviour.”
The party notified Dame Margaret that it was investigating her for an alleged breach of Rule 2.1.8 as outlined in its Party Rules. It is the same rule used against those accused of antisemitism.
In response, the Labour Party told the JC that it "takes all complaints extremely seriously. These are investigated in line with the party's rules and procedures."
Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Dame Margaret said she would not quit the Labour Party over the issue, nor resign the whip, instead pledging to “fight from within”.
She added that, since the confrontation with Mr Corbyn, she has been targeted with online antisemitic abuse. A member of the public referred to her as a "Zionist b*tch" on a Facebook group supporting the Labour leader.
