“It is vital that the Labour Party operates once again as a broad church that respects the rights of its members and stays true to its core purpose.”
Jess Barnard has released the following statement about the lifting of her suspension from the Labour Party, as well as her intention to re-stand for Labour’s National Executive Committee.
In October 2025, my Labour Party membership rights were suspended pending the outcome of an investigation. As a result, between October 2025 and the end of May 2026, I have been unable to attend Party meetings, stand in internal elections or selections, represent the Party, or participate in any member ballots. This meant I was unable to carry out my duties as an elected NEC member during that period, including providing report-backs to membership or speaking publicly as an NEC member.
I am pleased to confirm that the investigation has now concluded. The NEC panel, considering the matter, agreed that no further action should be taken, and my suspension has been lifted with immediate effect. I am fully reinstated as an NEC member.
I believe it is vital that the Labour Party operates once again as a broad church that respects the rights of its members and stays true to its core purpose. We must ensure our democratic structures function as a vehicle for improving the lives of working-class people, rather than being overshadowed by internal factionalism.
Every position I have held within the Party has been voluntary. I have given up my time, alongside full-time work, to be a voice for ordinary Party members on Labour’s NEC and to advocate for a bold, transformative vision for our Party. As a working-class woman without a family background in politics, I have not had access to vast resources or media connections. I firmly believe that if we want our Party to truly represent working people, working people must be able to find robust representation within its highest bodies.
With the far right on the rise, we must ensure our Party is once again a strong champion for the working class. Millions of people in this country simply cannot afford for us to lose focus on their safety and their futures.
Many of you over the past few months have been asking about my intention to re-stand for election to Labour’s National Executive Committee, to help move the Party forward and ensure it returns to being a powerful vehicle for left-wing politics in Britain.
Now that this issue is resolved, I am pleased to confirm my intention to re-stand and look forward to sharing my commitments, policy platform and record with members shortly.
Finally, I would like to thank my solicitors and trade union representative for their support throughout this incredibly difficult period.
- Jess Barnard is a member on Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and the former chair of Young Labour. You can follow her on Facebook, X/Twitter and Instagram.
- This article was taken from a statement posted on 8 June 2026.
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