Labour readmits Diane Abbott and Joani Reid after suspensions under new leader Andy Burnham
Diane Abbott, the longest-serving female MP, and Joani Reid have had the Labour whip restored following independent disciplinary processes, just weeks after Andy Burnham became prime minister.
Abbott's suspension and apology
Diane Abbott, the MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington and the longest-serving female member of the House of Commons, was suspended from the Labour Party for a second time in July 2025. The suspension followed a BBC interview in which she said she did not regret earlier remarks that Jewish, Irish and Traveller people experience prejudice rather than racism. She had first been suspended in April 2023 after writing a letter to the Observer making the same argument, then apologised and was readmitted shortly before the July 2024 general election.
On 30 July 2026, Abbott announced her readmission and said she had received a formal warning for a social media post that referred to the Israeli Defence Force as the "Jewish Defence Force".
I used wording that conflates the actions of the state of Israel with the Jewish community. I am deeply sorry for any hurt caused by that conflation and apologise for any hurt caused by it.
She added that she remains a lifelong anti-racist committed to opposing racism in all its forms.
Reid's voluntary withdrawal
Joani Reid, the MP for East Kilbride and Strathaven, voluntarily gave up the Labour whip in March 2026 after her husband, David Taylor, was arrested on suspicion of assisting China's foreign intelligence service. Scottish Counter Terrorism officers searched a property in East Kilbride as part of the criminal investigation. Reid was never a suspect or witness in any police inquiry.
I have never been part of a police investigation, as a suspect or as a witness, and I am pleased that this has now been recognised.
She said she was excited to support the new prime minister, Andy Burnham, and to help renew Scottish Labour.
Independent process and leadership change
A Labour spokesperson said both readmission decisions were taken independently of the leadership and without political interference, following processes conducted under party rules and approved by the independent review board.
The Labour party expects the highest standards from our elected representatives and party members. The party assesses any alleged breaches of such standards independently of the leadership and political interference.
The reinstatements came just under two weeks after Andy Burnham succeeded Keir Starmer as Labour leader and prime minister earlier in July 2026. Starmer had made tackling antisemitism a central part of his leadership after the party faced accusations of discrimination under former leader Jeremy Corbyn.
- Abbott suspended after letter to the Observer arguing Jewish, Irish and Traveller people experience prejudice rather than racism
- Abbott readmitted shortly before the July 2024 general election
- Abbott suspended again after BBC interview saying she did not regret earlier remarks
- Reid voluntarily gives up the whip after husband arrested on suspicion of assisting China's intelligence service
- Both Abbott and Reid readmitted and whip restored under new leader Andy Burnham
Reactions and divisions
Abbott's case divided opinion within the party. More than 38,000 people signed a petition calling for her reinstatement, and she remains popular on the Labour left, where supporters refer to her as "Auntie Di". Jewish organisations including the Board of Deputies and the Jewish Leadership Council had urged caution, saying any restoration of the whip needed clear evidence of genuine remorse. Abbott's apology following the independent process addressed the formal warning she received.
