Labour's moved on from Corbyn era, claims Tory defector Christian Wakeford - The Jewish Chronicle

The MP who defected from the Conservatives to Labour last week has claimed his new party has left the Jeremy Corbyn era behind and that Keir Starmer is “resolute” as leader in tackling antisemitism.

In an exclusive interview with the JC, Christian Wakeford responded to concerns of his Jewish constituents in Bury South over his dramatic switch.

He said: “To those who say they wanted to vote Conservative to keep Corbyn out, it’s a different party now.

“It’s very much back in the centre of the political spectrum. Keir is very resolute in what he’s wanting to do in tackling antisemitism.”

But independent peer and former Labour MP Ian Austin, who resigned from the party over antisemitism, said: “Obviously things are better than under Corbyn, but it isn’t for Christian Wakeford or me to judge whether Keir Starmer has done enough to convince the Jewish community that the poison of anti-Jewish racism has been eradicated.

“Jewish people will be the judge of that and the vast majority I speak to believe there is much more work to do.”

Mr Wakeford told the JC he and Mr Starmer had a 40-minute meeting two days before his defection was announced.

With much of their discussion focused on antisemitism, the Labour leader gave his personal assurance that the party had sincerely changed in its relations with Jews.

The MP was speaking to the JC in Ukraine where he was attending a Holocaust memorial event.

Asked about concerns in the Jewish community over Mr Starmer because he had supported Corbyn when he was leader, Mr Wakeford said: “I think in regards to that, it’s a clear, stark message that’s changed.

“It is a journey. I still consider myself being committed to the community and still a friend of Israel. My politics to the community and towards Israel aren’t going to change.”

He added: “I think having those voices is going to speed that process along and actually make sure that the party is a safe space for all Jewish residents, to the point where the only reason you don’t want to vote Labour is because you’re a Conservative through and through, not because you’ve a fear of antisemitism.”

Mr Wakeford said he is determined to continue his work as a long-standing campaigner against antisemitism: “It was just a couple of weeks ago I was leading the adjournment debate on antisemitism at Bristol university.

“In terms of that all the work I’ve done with the community, I’m more than happy to pledge to continue that.”

In 2020 Mr Wakeford co-signed and voted for a bill to make by-elections mandatory when an MP switches party.

However, he now says: “I was just backing my friend when he was asking for signatures.

“I think it’s clear that even the Prime Minister doesn’t want a by-election at the moment, in fact he’s not even called for one.”

As to whether his constituents want a by-election after his defection prompted by the government’s handling of the “Partygate” scandal, he says: “I think it’s divided very much in two camps.

“There are those who voted Conservative who want one, there are some of those who voted Conservative who actually back my decision and are coming across and voting Labour as well, but I think at the moment there isn’t a majority saying I want a by-election now.”

Mr Wakeford also revealed that the day after his defection he was offered antisemitism training by the Labour Party, but was unable to take it up due to constituency commitments.

Expressing his continued concerns about Labour, Lord Austin said: “People who supported Corbyn are still serving in senior positions, half the members’ delegates at the conference voted against implementing the EHRC recommendations because they would rather Labour breaks the law than deals with antisemitism.

“They passed a really appalling motion on Israel which shows there is much more to do to put right the damage caused during the Corbyn years.”