Labour's Diane Abbott dilemma – can Starmer control the left? | SpectatorTV

Keir Starmer has began a purge of pre-existing candidates and MPs who risk frustrating their election campaign. There is an ongoing row about whether Diane Abbott, the former shadow home secretary, will be barred from standing. Angela Rayner has now weighed in saying she 'sees no reason why Diane Abbott can't stand for Labour'. Could this become a problem for Keir Starmer? James Heale speaks to Fraser Nelson and Paul Goodman.

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[john-]

The thought of Labour in power is a huge concern. They are not ready, infected with Identity Politics, dominated by activists. I get the Tories are poor but Labour is a national threat. They are exactly the same as the Democrats.

[lindsaytwort]

Vote Reform Reform. Reform! Become the opposition! Make Labour accountable!

[rickbarnett]

I love the spectator but I could do without some posho who hasn't seen a council estate or a working class pub telling me about how the hoi poloi should think

[jimbo-yvjh]

Lowest state pension in Western Europe. British pensioners SHOULD be looked after by our politicians who have gold plated pensions. Muppets!

[steve]

As a courtesy to his colleagues and his audience, perhaps Fraser could leave his phone in the top drawer of his desk.

[amoontube]

Wow. Just watched this facinating (to a leftie) discussion. How things have changed in 11 days ! 💚

[vivwindsor]

If Sunak had waited until the autumn, Farage would have been safely across the Atlantic campaigning for Trump.

One more reason why calling the election now was a bad idea.

[pinguswalk]

I find it doubtful that farage would have stood even if he could guarantee a seat for himself. He's more effective as an issues campaigner, using social media and the like. But keep underestimating him, by all means.

[plainflavour]

So young people should now work for the civil service or the armed forces for It's David Cameron's 'Big Society', only now it would be compulsory for young people. What a way to create a new generation of Conservative voters!

[JCL-ny]

If she can she needs to use it to oust Starmer before he destroys Labour in England.

[nnknkable]

Not aged well. Sir Keir has welcomed Abbott back into the fold.

[robert-gsih]

Both main parties seem to be politically inept. I have never been so down cast as I am at the moment when considering our options. Maybe I was spoiled, growing up in the Thatcher years? Sunak seems a decent guy but no politician - why go for an election in July?? Starmer is a weakling with no principles. He reminds me of Blair but without the religious zeal.

[thomasdale]

Are people on this stupid. He needs to appeal to the centre. Once Starmer is elected, you will see the true Socialist he is.

[stephfoxwell]

Abbott still has the Hester card to play in her efforts to grab attention

[and]

Britain actually won the war after evacuating Dunkirk

[hezkyden]

The living room scene for the talk made a pleasant change. I thought it especially suited Fraser Nelson's laid-back persona. The host needs to slow down his delivery, though, imo, as he speaks way too quickly. Maybe been watching too much Ben Shapiro?

[iconicon]

Nelson is Mr. Metropolitan Smug incarnate. Why doesn't he go to the Economist with his de haut en bas chums?

[avallons]

Outstanding episode, very good commentary. Stick to this and not the feminist / social BS ! Much higher standard of discussion.

[lindsaytwort]

No! Diane Abbott is useless! She is not the best person for the job! Keir Starmer is trying to choose the best candidates as he should! I don’t care if she was the first black woman, she has never impressed anybody in her interviews or debates!

[tonysherwood]

Is she hillary friendly? All the spectator expects!