Exclusive | Diane Abbott hopes Labour suspension will be lifted as petition passes 35,000 signatures
Britain’s first Black woman MP has told us that she hopes Labour’s new leadership will consider her return to the party, amid growing public pressure for her reinstatement
Diane Abbott hopes that Labour’s new leadership will reinstate her to the party as a petition supporting her return surpassed 35,000 signatures.
The MP has represented Hackney North and Stoke Newington since 1987.
Speaking exclusively to Black Current News, Ms Abbott said: “I have campaigned against racism and for racial justice all my political life.
“Furthermore, I am proud to be the first Black woman ever elected as a member of the British Parliament and to be the longest-serving Black MP.
“I have been a member of the Labour Party for over 40 years and I hope that the new Labour Party leadership will consider my reinstatement.”
Her statement follows Andy Burnham’s succession of Keir Starmer as Labour leader and appointment as prime minister.
Mr Burnham was formally appointed by King Charles III on Monday.
More than 35,000 people have now backed this campaign urging the new prime minister to reinstate Ms Abbott, who currently sits as an independent MP.
The petition, organised by Arise Festival volunteers and sponsored by Labour Assembly Against Austerity, is addressed directly to Mr Burnham.
“We stand with Diane Abbott. Reinstate her to the Labour Party now,” it states.
Ms Abbott was suspended from the party in July 2025 following a BBC interview in which she pointed out the distinction between racism rooted in visible racial difference and the prejudice experienced by Jewish, Irish and Traveller people.
It marked her second suspension over the issue.
Ms Abbott had previously apologised for similar remarks made in a letter published by The Observer in April 2023, after which the Labour whip was withdrawn, meaning she was suspended from the parliamentary Labour Party.
She was readmitted to the party shortly before the July 2024 general election and retained her Hackney North and Stoke Newington seat with a majority of more than 15,000 votes.
Ms Abbott subsequently became Mother of the House, the ceremonial title given to the female MP with the longest continuous service.
The petition reflects renewed pressure on Labour’s new leadership to restore the whip to one of the party’s longest-serving MPs.
Labour did not respond directly to Black Current News when asked whether Ms Abbott’s reinstatement would be considered under its new leadership.
Black Current News understands that the party does not comment on whipping matters, which fall under the authority of the Chief Whip.
The Government Whips' Office has been approached for comment.
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