What do these Two Men Have in Common?

In case you can’t remember, the one on the left (figuratively and literally) is Jeremy Corbyn MP. Until April 2020 he was Leader of the Labour Party and by virtue of that role, Leader of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition. 

For much of his time as Leader he was denying any inclination towards antisemitism, even as his political allies tumbled when their antisemitism was exposed. Defending himself against claims, such as the glorification of the terrorists responsible for the murder of Jewish athletes at the Munich Olympics, a spokesman said on his behalf, “He of course condemns that terrible attack, as he does the 1985 bombing." So Corbyn condemned the terrorist killing of the civilian athletes. He also condemned the operation that killed their murderers. That was even handed of him.

After the publication of the EHRC report on antisemitism in the Labour Party, Mr Corbyn sought to suggest that the whole issue was ‘exaggerated’ or was being used in a ‘factional attack’. It seemed to the new Leader that Corbyn was downplaying the importance and using the same language of diversion used by those who sought to excuse Labour’s antisemitism. Happily, Starmer has set his face against antisemitism. What this meant for the former Leader was that he would be suspended.

That’s how it started with his long-time CPLD comrade, former London Mayor, Ken Livingstone.

The second man in the picture is one John Gray, councillor and Deputy Mayor (statutory) of Newham. Close ally of Mayor Fiaz, and architect of her accession.

The suggestions are that Mayor Fiaz, despite all of her vaunted commitment to ‘openness’ was willing to cover up allegations of antisemitism against her friend and colleague, Cllr Gray. (Photo courtesy of Twitter)

We don’t know what Gray has said or done. But we are pretty sure that Fiaz  covered for him until her position became untenable. Then she sacked him. Not that you would know that from his statements on the events. He wasn’t sacked. He left the cabinet to play an active role in the campaign to get rid of the mayor.

There is no news as to whether Gray has been or will be suspended from the Labour Party.

So:

What will the Labour Party do about the allegations of antisemitism in Newham?

Equally important, what will they do about the Mayor’s ill-judged attempts to sweep the matter under the carpet?

Antisemitism Report

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has published its report. Unsurprisingly, it found multiple incidents of antisemitic behaviour, aided and abetted by Jeremy Corbyn’s office. You can see the report here.