Labour shadow minister Reed deletes Desmond Tory 'puppet master' tweet

Conservative MP Andrew Percy,  who is Jewish, said: “Alluding to Jews as puppet-masters is an age old antisemitic trope and for a Shadow Cabinet member to use this trope is totally unacceptable.

“If Keir Starmer was serious about tackling antisemitism he would sack Steve Reed on the spot.

“Otherwise the British people will rightly conclude the action taken against Rebecca Long-Bailey last week was done out of political convenience rather than principle.”

Mr Reed had previously been outspoken on Labour’s failure on antisemitism under Jeremy Corbyn.

Last July he said: "Labour’s failure to tackle antisemitism has let the actions of a tiny minority turn into a crisis for the whole party - for the sake of staff, members, the Jewish community and our supporters who need a Labour government it’s time for a fully independent process to deal with antisemitism  complaints.’’

He met the Board of Deputies in April when he said he wanted to "reaffirm my commitment to working closely with the Jewish community.’’

Labour said Mr Reed had deleted his "puppet master" tweet. The JC has approached the MP for further comment.