CORBYN SUSPENDED

Following the publication of the Equality and Human Rights Commission report it has just been confirmed that Jeremy Corbyn has been suspended from the Labour Party and had the whip removed.  This is an unusually decisive move as previous suspensions of MPs only involved the removal of the party whip and did not simultaneously suspend party membership.  For instance Corbyn's hard left colleague Claudia Webbe has retained her party membership while she is suspended from the Parliamentary Labour Party as she faces criminal charges of harassment.

A Labour spokesperson confirmed Corbyn's suspension and suggested that it was in relation to the former leader's statement made earlier today in which he downplayed the EHRC report.  The spokesperson said: "In light of his comments made today and his failure to retract them subsequently, the Labour Party has suspended Jeremy Corbyn pending investigation.  He has also had the whip removed from the Parliamentary Labour Party".  It is thought that Corbyn was given the opportunity to retract his statement, but refused.

Astonishing and brave move by Starmer, but one which will unleash a ferocious backlash from the hard left.  If Starmer stands firm this could potentially see a damaging split and perhaps even a new party on the left.  Such a development could cost Labour dearly in 2024.  A huge gamble from Sir Squeaky.

UPDATE

Corbyn has just tweeted the following response.