“Diane Abbott is a hero, a trailblazer and an outstanding champion of women’s rights, anti-racism and Labour democracy.”
Rachel Garnham, Campaign for Labour Party Democracy (CLPD)
By Labour Outlook
Over 35,000 people have now backed the call for Andy Burnham to reinstate Diane Abbott into the Labour Party. In addition to thousands of new people signing a petition in a matter of days, further MPs and campaigning groups have also added their support to the call – with organisers hoping to now reach the landmark figure of 40,000 signatures as soon as possible.
Welcoming the growing support for the campaign a number of MPs gave their support, including Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP who said, “Diane Abbott has given this party and this movement over forty years of service. She broke down barriers, has always been on the right side of history, and has faced appalling abuse for it. Including from within our own party. If Labour truly wants to be a broad church again, restoring the whip to Diane is the first and easiest step.”
Kim Johnson MP commented, “If Labour is serious about being a broad church, restoring the whip to Diane Abbott must be the first step.
As the first Black woman elected to Parliament, Diane is a pioneer who has inspired generations. After everything she has contributed – and the adversity she has overcome – reinstating her is absolutely the right thing to do.
We need a Labour Party where all views are respected and voices are listened to. Restoring the whip to Diane Abbott would be a clear signal that the party is committed to that culture.”
Brian Leishman MP added, “Andy Burnham should immediately reinstate the whip back to Diane Abbott.
Diane is a trailblazer who has inspired people to get involved in politics and has committed her life to the labour movement. We are all stronger with Diane being in the Labour Party.”
Beyond parliament, representatives of active campaigns in the Labour Party itself also spoke out. Amongst these, Rachel Garnham, on behalf of the Campaign for Labour Party Democracy said, “Diane Abbott is a hero, a trailblazer and an outstanding champion of women’s rights, anti-racism and Labour democracy. It is a stain on our Party that she remains without the whip, which should be restored immediately.”
Carol Turner of Labour CND added, “Justice demands the Labour whip is restored to Diane Abbott. She’s been an advocate for peace and opponent of war from the day she entered Westminster. Andy Burnham and his team would benefit greatly from her knowledge and experience.”
Momentum co-chair Sasha Das Gupta commented, “Diane’s suspension was the result of some of the worst aspects of our party being allowed to run unchecked and unfettered through the veins of our party democracy. It was like the school bully being endorsed by the headteacher at every level. Burnham has the opportunity to start putting right some of the wrongs that were done. From unsuspending CLPs to lifting this suspension, the party has to move forward in a positive direction.”
Yasmine Dar, a Labour NEC member who is currently standing for re-election, said, “I’m calling for the whip to be restored to Diane Abbot without delay. Diane is a lifelong champion of peace and justice and a formidable campaigner in the interests of ordinary people. We need her back where she belongs.”
Speaking on behalf of the petition organisers, Matt Willgress, National Organiser of ‘Arise – a Festival of Left Ideas’ added, “Over 35,000 people are standing with Diane Abbott and demanding her reinstatement. If Andy Burnham is serious about real change and restoring hope, this must happen as soon as possible.”
- Friday July 17 2026 marked one year on from Diane Abbott being suspended from the Labour Party, and Parliamentary Labour Party, under Keir Starmer’s leadership. The anniversary saw a major push from MPs, trade unionists and others to further step up the campaign to stand with Diane Abbott.
- The petition can be signed here.
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