Jeremy Corbyn accuses Keir Starmer of 'flagrant attack on democracy' in furious rebuke

Jeremy Corbyn has accused Sir Keir Starmer of launching a “flagrant attack” on democracy by barring him from standing as a Labour candidate at the next general election.

The ex-Labour leader’s hopes to stand in his Islington North constituency were quashed by Starmer during a speech in east London.

Sir Keir spoke on the equalities watchdog’s decision to lift the party out of two years of special measures over its past failings on antisemitism.

He used a speech to claim the party is now “unrecognisable” compared to its days led by Corbyn.

The 73-year-old has hit out at Starmer’s decision, saying: “This is a divisive distraction from our overriding goal: to defeat the Conservative Party.”

In a statement posted on Twitter, Islington North MP Corbyn said any attempt to block his candidacy for the seat was “denial of due process”.

He said: “Ever since I was elected as a Labour MP 40 years ago, I have fought on behalf of my community for a more equal, caring and peaceful society. Day-in day-out, I am focused on the most important issues facing people in Islington North: poverty, rising rents, the healthcare crisis, the safety of refugees, and the fate of our planet.

“Keir Starmer’s statement about my future is a flagrant attack on the democratic rights of Islington North Labour Party members. It is up to them – not party leaders – to decide who their candidate should be.

Starmer said Corbyn will not stand as a Labour MP at the next general election
House of Commons

“Any attempt to block my candidacy is a denial of due process, and should be opposed by anybody who believes in the value of democracy.”

He added: “At a time when the Government is overseeing the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation, this is a divisive distraction from our overriding goal: to defeat the Conservative Party at the next general election.

“I am proud to represent the labour movement in Parliament through my constituency. I am focused on standing up for workers on the picket line, the marginalised, and all those worried about their futures.

“That is what I’ll continue to do. I suggest the Labour Party does the same.”

The equalities watchdog had been monitoring Labour since ruling in 2020 that it was responsible for unlawful acts of harassment and discrimination under Corbyn.

It remains unclear as to whether Corbyn will stand as an independent
Kirsty O'Connor

On Wednesday the watchdog judged that, under Sir Keir, Labour has improved its complaints and training procedures to protect current and future party members.

The Labour leader reiterated his vow that anyone who plays down antisemitism will be treated with “zero patience or tolerance” and acknowledged it is not “the end of the road” for tackling the issue.

Sir Keir was introduced to the podium in Toynbee Hall by the president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, Marie van der Zyl.

She said the idea of addressing the audience before the Labour leader “not too long ago” would “simply would be an impossibility”.

“At the next election I believe all British Jews will once again be free to vote according to their political persuasion rather than out of fear,” she said.

Corbyn was suspended from the parliamentary party over his response to EHRC’s damning report in 2020.