Keir Starmer ally grilled by BBC host over Diane Abbott ‘U-turn’ | Politics | News | EUROtoday

Labour’s Liz Kendall was concerned in a tetchy conflict with Nick Robinson as he grilled her over social gathering chief Sir Keir Starmer’s dealing with of the controversy surrounding Diane Abbott.

Sir Keir has been underneath stress over claims he backed down after initially attempting to dam left-winger Ms Abbott from as soon as once more standing as a candidate for Hackney North and Stoke Newington within the General Election on July 4.

And Mr Robinson put Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Ms Kendall on the spot throughout an interview on Radio 4’s Today programme.

The Labour chief yesterday mentioned Ms Abbott was “free” to battle for re-election to her Hackney North and Stoke Newington seat in London.

His feedback got here simply after he publicly refused to endorse Ms Abbott’s candidacy and insisted that he had no energy over the choice.

Mr Robinson requested Ms Kendall why Mr Starmer may very well be trusted to run the nation when “it took Angela Rayner to bounce him into a decision on Diane Abbott”, referring to remarks by the Labour deputy chief yesterday.

Ms Kendall hit again at that, and replied: “I completely reject that.

“It’s really important that the Labour Party sets the highest possible standards for every single candidate.

“There’s been a process, we’ve gone through that. She’s free to stand.”

He then mentioned: “Let’s move away from Diane Abbott – you don’t want to talk about her and I’ve done my best.”

Ms Kendall snapped again: “I’m perfectly happy to do it but I’ve answered the question.”

Speaking right this moment, Sir Keir Starmer likewise dismissed questions on Abbott.

Asked what had modified when he mentioned yesterday the veteran left-winger might stand as a Labour candidate within the General Election after having the social gathering whip restored after greater than a 12 months, he informed broadcasters in Uxbridge: “I dealt with that issue yesterday.

“Today is about taking our argument to the nation and getting individuals again to work.”

Asked about concerns among black voters, Sir Keir said: “Let me give my message to voters, as a result of I believe that is very, crucial, which is if you need change, the ability’s with you… you need to vote for change.”