Starmer distances himself from Rayner and Sarwar in row over Abbott
Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Ms Rayner said she did not “think there’s any reason” why Ms Abbott should not stand, while Mr Sarwar later said: “I agree with Angela.” Appearing alongside the two senior party figures at a campaign event in Scotland on Friday, Sir Keir reiterated that “no decision has been taken” on Ms Abbott when asked whether he agreed with them. “Obviously she’s got the whip back and she’s been a trailblazer for many years, but the fact remains no decision has been taken.” Sir Keir stressed that his party has “fantastic candidates across the country, including many black candidates”, when asked to respond to criticism by a senior lawyer who investigated claims of racism within Labour. “I’d say we’ve got fantastic candidates across the country, including many black candidates, leading candidates,” Sir Keir said. Labour deputy leader Ms Rayner denied there was a “purge”, but said “I don’t think there’s any reason” why Ms Abbott should not stand and the row over her future was “not a great look”.
Angela Rayner's barb to the Labour leader after lacklustre performance at PMQs
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