Labour MPs today slammed a vote of no confidence in a senior backbencher who spoke out against anti-Semitism.
They reacted angrily to the move against Enfield North MP Joan Ryan, the chairwoman of Labour Friends of Israel, who was first elected to Parliament when Tony Blair came to power in 1997.
Ms Ryan, a vocal critic of Jeremy Corbyn’s handling of the anti-Semitism storm that has engulfed Labour, blamed the 94-92 defeat by local activists on “Trots, Stalinists, Communists and assorted hard Left”.
After the vote last night she added: “Just to be clear I will not be resigning. I am Labour through and through, and I will continue to stand up and fight for Labour values.”
Harrow West Labour MP Gareth Thomas said: “It’s an outrageous vote. She is a class act and a great servant of the Labour Party and Enfield.”
Poplar and Limehouse MP Jim Fitzpatrick added: “It sends a very negative message, not just to the Jewish community but to many similar-minded Labour colleagues facing the prospect of debates, discussions and decisions just like Joan’s.”
Another Corbyn critic, Luton South MP Gavin Shuker, also lost a no confidence vote of local activists last night. Walthamstow Labour MP Stella Creasy branded both votes as “appalling”.
Another former minister in Mr Blair’s government, Frank Field, resigned the party whip recently after losing a vote of no confidence in his constituency.
Speaking to the BBC today, Mr Blair said he is unsure whether the Labour Party can be “taken back” by moderates.The former prime minister said Labour under Mr Corbyn is now a “different party” and he hopes it is not “lost”.
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