Diane Abbott is making waves again, and this time her target is none other than Sir Keir Starmer. Recently, during her appearance on BBC Newsnight, she didn't mince words criticizing the Labour Leader for how he handled her during the Frank Hester racism row, describing her treatment under his leadership as if she were a "non-person". But Abbott didn't stop there. She opened up about her grievances on the podcast "How to Fail" with author Elizabeth Day, where she discussed her personal failures and took aim at her colleagues, claiming she had never enjoyed a friendly chat with Starmer.
Abbott’s most biting comments stem from her view of how the Labour leadership, particularly Starmer, has treated her following the publication of her controversial letter, where she made claims about the experiences of various ethnic groups. This letter led to her suspension from the party, and Starmer was quick to label her remarks as antisemitic, something Abbott found puzzling. "Keir Starmer's a barrister and he would know you can't have an investigation if you have already publicly stated your conclusion," she said, casting doubt on whether her case could be examined fairly.
Her remarks were part of more extensive commentary on her relationship with Starmer and the current Labour leadership, which she feels has leaned heavily toward the right. Abbott's discontent has been echoed by other left-wing members within the party who have criticized Starmer for his handling of antisemitism allegations within Labour. She has argued repeatedly—most recently in her new book "A Woman Like Me"—that the treatment of members accused of antisemitism is uneven, favoring the leadership’s allies over the traditional left.
At the heart of Abbott’s critique is the perception of what she calls “factionalism.” She claims, "allies of the current leadership are treated very differently when it involves allegations of antisemitism compared to the left and the critics of the current leadership.” This sentiment resonates across the party, raising questions about Starmer's commitment to equality within the party ranks.
Meanwhile, as tensions simmer within the Labour Party, questions about Starmer’s approach to leadership persist. Under his leadership, the party has seen numerous suspensions and disciplinary actions against members who critique the direction he has taken. Abbott's situation has incited discussions on whether Starmer has created what some perceive as a 'fearful environment' for free expression within Labour ranks.
Starmer’s own recent headlines have concerned his attendance at Arsenal matches, which drew ire for his use of free tickets and corporate boxes valued at nearly £9,000 per game. He justified this by arguing security concerns necessitated his acceptance of these gifts, stating, "Since I’ve been PM, the security advice is don’t go to the stands, otherwise the taxpayer would have to pick up the costs for additional security.” He maintains his relationship with Arsenal is long-standing, highlighting his dedication as an avid fan.
While his explanations attempt to quell growing discontent among party loyalists and of the public questioning his integrity, Abbott’s biting remarks cast unwelcome shadows over his tenure. The notion of 'parliament's king of the freebies', as critics have deemed him, is inadvertently contributing to the mounting skepticism of his leadership.
Add to this the mounting pressure from Labour MPs urging Starmer to reduce party infighting and present a clearer vision on pivotal issues—such as the cost of living crisis—his leadership may be walking a tightrope. Abbott also forces the issue of whether Starmer can effectively quell the discontent within his ranks without diminishing the inclusiveness advocates claim the party ought to embody.
Abbott’s comments have sparked renewed discussions throughout the Labour ranks, where she emphasized the importance of standing firm against leadership overreach, stating, “Some of my colleagues on the Left were relieved when I stood up to the leadership; they felt the leadership wanted a mini clear-out.” The idea of keeping the leadership accountable resonates loudly among party members unsettled by Starmer's assertive governance.
Starmer's ability to manage these internal rifts and present Labour as the party of the people will be pivotal as the country heads toward the next general election. Presently, with Abbott seemingly drawing battle lines, Sir Keir's challenge lies not only in fortifying his leadership but also in ensuring unity within the party ranks to mount any real challenge against the Conservatives. The future may very well depend on his handling of voices like Abbott’s and the broader spectrum of dissent growing within his own party.
