Members of Labour’s high command opposed recommendations to suspend several party activists accused of antisemitism, according to internal emails seen by the Observer. The correspondence, dating from March to May last year, covers a period immediately after leader Jeremy Corbyn vowed to be a “militant opponent of antisemitism” and to have “zero tolerance for antisemites”. It reveals that an official acting on behalf of general secretary Jennie Formby opposed recommendations from the party’s investigations team to suspend several members accused of antisemitic behaviour. In another case, Andrew Murray, a Corbyn adviser, argued for more lenient action to be taken against a member accused of defending an antisemitic mural. Tom Watson, Labour deputy leader, last night said it showed that processes for dealing with “racism and abuse had failed”. In a tweet he added: “If correct, this story suggests unacceptable political interference in dealing with antisemitism cases. I will be urgently consulting with colleagues before giving a fuller response.” However, a party source said: “Seeking advice on cases was a hangover from the previous process, which Jennie Formby overhauled when she took up her post. Selecting a handful of cases from a year ago, under defunct processes, is seriously misleading. “This… Read full this story
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