Labour leader accused of sidelining left-wing candidates ahead of general election

Sir Keir Starmer is under fire for allegedly excluding prominent left-wing figures like Jeremy Corbyn and Diane Abbott from standing as Labour candidates in the upcoming general election. Former MP Beth Winter criticises the party for what she sees as divisive behaviour.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer faces allegations of sidelining left-wing candidates ahead of the upcoming general election. Prominent figures such as Jeremy Corbyn and Diane Abbott are among those potentially excluded from running as Labour candidates. Beth Winter, a former MP, criticized what she deemed “factional, vindictive behaviour” within the party.

In a separate development, Nigel Farage, Reform UK’s honorary president, dismissed the idea of a pre-election deal with the Conservative Party, a day after suggesting openness to discussions. Richard Tice, Reform UK's leader, firmly stated there would be no deal, emphasizing their stance against the Tories’ policies on Brexit and immigration.

Meanwhile, Oxfordshire MP John Howell will not seek re-election due to a stroke, with Caroline Newton set to replace him as the Conservative candidate for Henley. Army officer James Clark has been selected as the Conservative candidate for Great Yarmouth, following Brandon Lewis’ decision to step down.

The Green Party launched its campaign, aiming to challenge Labour’s policies and increase its representation to at least four MPs. Co-leaders Carla Denyer and Adrian Ramsay emphasized the need for "real change," targeting key constituencies in England and Wales.