Labour leader Keir Starmer faces increasing pressure from party members to halt what they describe as a "purge" of leftwing candidates, ahead of a crucial meeting by the National Executive Committee (NEC) next week to finalize Labour’s list of parliamentary candidates. High-profile figures such as veteran MP Diane Abbott and Faiza Shaheen have been blocked from standing, a move critics allege is politically motivated.
Abbott, who has been in the spotlight after being suspended and then reinstated for comments made about racism, has expressed her intention to stand as an independent if barred. Labour’s deputy leader Angela Rayner has publicly supported Abbott, adding pressure on Starmer to reconsider.
Additionally, several key trade unionists and Starmer allies have been selected for safe seats, further fueling accusations of factionalism. The NEC meeting will be crucial in determining the final candidate list and potentially mitigating internal party tensions.