LABOUR deputy leader Tom Watson has called on Jeremy Corbyn to withdraw the whip from Chris Williamson following his controversial readmission to the party.
Williamson – a left-wing ally of the Labour leader – was suspended in February following his claim the party had been “too apologetic” in response to criticism over its handling of anti-Semitism allegations.
Following a hearing of a National Executive Committee (NEC) antiSemitism panel, he was issued with a formal warning but allowed back into the party.
There was widespread anger at the announcement yesterday that the Derby North MP has had his suspension lifted amid criticism at the way the party deals with allegations of anti-Semitism.
In a statement signed by 90 Labour MPs and peers, Watson said they could not overstate the “depth and breadth of hurt and anger” at the way the case had been handled.
“We call on Jeremy Corbyn to show leadership by asking for this inappropriate, offensive and reputationally damaging decision to be overturned and reviewed,” the statement said.
“Ultimately, it is for Jeremy Corbyn to decide whether Chris Williamson retains the Labour whip.
“He must remove it immediately if we are to stand any hope of persuading anyone that the Labour Party is taking anti-Semitism seriously.”
Labour parliamentarians said the NEC anti-Semitism panel ignored a recommendation Williamson should be referred to the National Constitutional Committee for action.
They also said that the composition of the panel had been changed at short notice in a way that seemed “highly irregular”.
A Labour source said: “The leader of the party is not involved in disciplinary processes or individual cases, which are independent of the leader.
It would be wholly inappropriate for a leader to pick and choose cases in the way that is being demanded.
“Several of the MPs who have signed have in the past argued against political interference.”
Williamson was suspended after footage showed him saying Labour’s reaction to anti-Semitism claims had led to the party being “demonised”.
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