Faiza Shaheen’s resignation from Labour amid accusations of unfair treatment and a left-wing purge intensifies internal conflicts within the party as the general election approaches. Here’s the full story.
Resigned From Labour
Faiza Shaheen, a prominent left-wing candidate and academic, has resigned from the Labour Party after being blocked from standing as a candidate in the Chingford and Woodford Green constituency.
“Relentless Campaign”
Shaheen, who previously came close to unseating Tory grandee Sir Iain Duncan Smith in the 2019 general election, claims she faced “a relentless campaign of unfair treatment, bullying and hostility” from within her party.
Left-Wing Purge
Her resignation has intensified ongoing accusations that Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is systematically purging left-wing candidates for more moderate candidates loyal to him, fueling internal party factionalism.
Social Media Posts
The decision to block Shaheen from standing as Labour’s candidate was reportedly linked to her liking a series of social media posts that downplayed accusations of antisemitism, including one sketch from the famous American Jewish satirist Jon Stewart on the Daily Show.
“Hierarchy of Racism”
Shaheen, however, asserts that the true reason behind her exclusion was her outspoken comments on Islamophobia, which she described as reflective of a “hierarchy of racism” within Labour.
Hostile Environment
In her resignation letter, Shaheen detailed the hostile environment she encountered within Labour, which she characterised as unprecedented adversity in her career.
“Bullying and Hostility”
She wrote: “I have faced a relentless campaign of unfair treatment, bullying and hostility that I have never before experienced in all my personal or professional life.”
“I Will Not Beg”
She continued, “I cannot, in all conscience, continue to contribute to a party that seems to think so little of people like me and has moved so far away from my values. I will not beg and grovel to earn my place.”
“The Dumbest Thing”
The decision to suspend Shaheen attracted significant media attention, particularly after Jon Stewart, the legendary American satirist, weighed in, writing online, “This is the dumbest thing the UK has done since electing Boris Johnson.”
“Delivering the Change”
A spokesperson for the party declined to address Shaheen’s claims directly, stating, “We are focused on electing a Labour government and delivering the change that people in Chingford and Woodford Green and across the country need.”
Expressing Outrage
Shaheen’s supporters have expressed outrage at the decision to block her candidacy, with some launching campaigns to urge Labour leadership to reconsider.
Undermining Party Democracy
They argue that the decision undermines the democratic process within the party and disregards the preferences of local members.
Shaheen’s Replacement
Despite this support, Labour’s ruling National Executive Committee has confirmed Brent councillor Shama Tatler as the Chingford and Woodford Green candidate, replacing Shaheen.
Internal Conflict
The controversy surrounding Shaheen’s resignation is part of a larger pattern of internal conflict within Labour under Starmer’s leadership.
Allies of Jeremy Corbyn
Accusations of a left-wing purge have been fueled by similar incidents involving other prominent figures, particularly those closely allied with former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who was kicked out of Labour following Starmer’s election as leader.
“Politically Motivated”
Last week, Lloyd Russell-Moyle, the former MP for Brighton Kemptown, was barred from standing after what he described as a “vexatious and politically-motivated complaint.”
Diane Abbott
Similarly, veteran MP Diane Abbott faced confusion over her candidacy status before ultimately being confirmed as the candidate for Hackney North and Stoke Newington.
Solid Local Following
In Chingford and Woodford Green, Shaheen’s exclusion has significant implications. Shaheen had built a solid local following and came close to winning the seat in 2019.
Local Support
Her replacement, Shama Tatler, faces the challenge of gaining the same level of local support and recognition.
“Not Known or Supported”
Shaheen has criticised Tatler’s selection, arguing that she is “someone not known to or supported by most local members with no links to our community.”
Key Target
This last-minute change and the unfavourable press surrounding it could affect Labour’s chances of winning the seat, which has been a key target in their campaign.
Next Steps
Shaheen’s future remains uncertain as she considers her next steps, though she has hinted at the possibility of running as an independent candidate. A final decision is expected shortly.
Deep Divisions
Her resignation and the surrounding controversy have brought to the fore a secret the Parliamentary Labour Party have long tried to keep hidden under Starmer: the deep divisions within Labour.
Divisions and Factionalism
Such divisions and factionalism have raised serious questions about the party’s commitment to addressing internal issues of racism and representation.
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Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Tom Spender.