“I have repeatedly called for a kinder, gentler politics, which is why I launched Respect and Unity, a code of conduct calling on all Labour members and supporters to conduct themselves with a high standard of behaviour”.
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Aug 26 Britain’s opposition Labour Party said on Friday it had found a new security company to guard its conference, avoiding an embarrassing confrontation with a union that had objected to the previous firm and threatened to picket the event. I have not been given the opportunity to refute any allegations, or a date for any hearing.
In a statement released today Draper said, “I believe this flies in the face of natural justice. I intend to challenge my suspension robustly and am now taking legal advice”. I passionately believe that all members should be allowed to be heard, and be given the opportunity to vote for the candidate of their choice.
Mr Corbyn said a future Labour government under his leadership would introduce a cross-departmental cabinet committee to increase participation in the arts and culture. “Decisions are made by elected NEC members, and not party staff”, he said in a tweet directed at Mr McDonnell.
Rival Owen Smith last night accused Mr Corbyn of being “happy” about the vote for the United Kingdom to leave the EU.
The compliance unit is working through applications to check whether the 180,000 new registered supporters who signed up to take part in the vote are eligible, or if some are members of, or public advocates for, other groups.
Mr Draper, a party member for 40 years, told PoliticsHome he thought his suspension was “something to do with Twitter”.
Mr McDonnell, who is chairing Mr Corbyn’s bid to be re-elected as Labour leader, warned party officials against “what appears to be a rigged purge of Jeremy Corbyn supporters”.
Mr Corbyn said he would work with people where possible, but said he was “not looking for an alliance with the SNP”.
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He was booed as he added: “I’m not even sure Jeremy did vote In”. And just one embarrassing moment for Owen Smith at the Glasgow hustings – where many of those present made it clear that they did want to “stick with Corbyn” – was a stark reminder of that reality for anti-Corbyn MPs. “While Ronnie, a supporter of Jeremy Corbyn, has been denied his say in Labour’s election, no action is being taken over the Labour peer, Lord Sainsbury”.
