Diane Abbott and Joani Reid readmitted as Labour MPs

Key facts

• Diane Abbott and Joani Reid have been readmitted to the Labour party.
• Both MPs have had the parliamentary whip restored.
• Abbott's readmission followed separate independent disciplinary processes.
• Reid voluntarily relinquished the whip in March after her husband's arrest.
• Abbott apologized following the conclusion of her independent process.

Diane Abbott and Joani Reid have been readmitted into the Labour party and had their parliamentary whips restored, less than two weeks into Andy Burnham’s premiership. The party confirmed that these decisions followed separate independent disciplinary processes, with Labour emphasizing that the leadership played no role in either outcome.

Abbott, referred to as the mother of the House of Commons, was suspended for a second time last summer after stating she did not regret comments about racism that had led to her initial withdrawal of the whip in 2023. She has since apologized, and the disciplinary process concluded with her receiving a formal warning from the party.

Reid, the MP for East Kilbride and Strathaven elected in 2024, voluntarily relinquished the whip in March of this year. This decision came after her husband was arrested on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service in a case linked to China. Reid herself has not been accused of any wrongdoing, and sources indicate she was not party to police investigations into alleged Chinese spying.

A Labour party spokesperson stated that the party expects the highest standards from its representatives and that assessments of alleged breaches are conducted independently of the leadership. Following the approved processes, both MPs were readmitted. The spokesperson also noted that Abbott has apologized and that all elected representatives must be mindful of their responsibilities.

Abbott's initial suspension in April 2023 was due to a letter to The Observer regarding prejudice experienced by Jewish, Irish, and Traveller people. After apologizing and withdrawing her remarks, she had the whip restored before the 2024 general election, having completed antisemitism awareness training and received a formal warning. Her second suspension last July occurred after she told the BBC that racism about skin color differs from other types of racism.

Reid stepped aside in March, stating she was not under investigation and had done nothing wrong, aiming to avoid distraction during Labour's inquiries. Burnham has indicated a shift in disciplinary culture, allowing MPs to voice disagreements without fear of retribution.