Islington North constituents have reacted to the news that Jeremy Corbyn has been blocked from standing as an MP by the Labour Party’s governing body.
The National Executive Committee (NEC) approved Sir Keir Starmer’s call for the former Labour leader to be banned from standing by a vote of 22 to 12.
This follows a row regarding alleged anti-semitism within the party under Corbyn’s leadership and will see him forced to run as an independent if he wishes to remain an MP.
Corbyn, who has been Labour’s MP for Islington North since 1983, said: “The NEC’s decision to block my candidacy for Islington North is a shameful attack on party democracy, party members and natural justice.
“When I was leader of the Labour Party, I was determined to build a member-led movement that gave hope to a new generation.
“I will not be intimidated into silence.
“I have spent my life fighting for a fairer society on behalf of the people of Islington North, and I have no intention of stopping now.”
MP for Mitcham and Morden Siobhain McDonagh disagreed.
She said: “I think that the fault for this decision rests with Jeremy himself, caused by his unwillingness to accept the conclusion of the Equalities and Human Rights Commission investigation into antisemitism in the Labour Party.
“This was a shaming period in our history and he needed to acknowledge its scale.”
Starmer’s motion to ban Corbyn claimed his presence as a Labour MP would significantly impact the party’s chances of winning the next election.
Many residents of Islington North, however, feel banning Corbyn without seeking their input was the wrong move.
One resident said: “I think the Labour party’s decision to block Corbyn from running as an MP is petty and underhanded.
Another added: “I will be voting for Corbyn if he runs as an Independent.
“My political leaning is much closer to his than that of Starmer’s Labour party.”
Another resident said they understood the decision and added they would still be voting for the Labour party come the next General Election.
The grassroots movement Momentum, set up following Corbyn’s successful leadership bid in 2015, slammed the NEC decision.
A statement said: “Keir Starmer was elected on a pledge to end NEC stitch-ups and let local members decide their candidates.
“This unjust decision drives a massive wedge within the Labour Party and risks alienating the millions of people, especially young people, who were energised by Jeremy’s socialist politics.”
Corbyn is yet to confirm if he will run in the next General Election.
Featured image credit: Jeremy Corbyn
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