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McDonnell jumps to defence of Labour activist suspended over antisemitism claims
Former shadow chancellor tells Audrey White, ‘Let’s get you some proper advice and representation’
January 22, 2021 10:23
Former shadow chancellor tells Audrey White, ‘Let’s get you some proper advice and representation’
January 22, 2021 10:23Labour’s John McDonnell has come to the defence of a Labour Party activist suspended over antisemitism claims, the JC can reveal.
The former Labour shadow chancellor wrote a message on social media to suspended Liverpool Riverside activist Audrey White on Thursday evening offering to help her with “representation”, adding: “Can’t believe it’s happened again.”
Mr McDonnell said he had been alerted to Ms White’s plight after a tweet by the Merseyside Pensioners Association stated that “Our secretary Audrey Whyte (sic) has been suspended from UK Labour.
“We stand in solidarity with Audrey. She is a fighter for her class. Keir Starmer should attack the Tories rather than pensioners who fight for the working class.”
Mr McDonnell tweeted: “Audrey, Just picked this up. Can’t believe it’s happened again. Give me a ring tomorrow. Let’s get you some proper advice and representation.”
Ms White then tweeted: “Will do, thanks John.”
The JC exclusively revealed in December how Ms White had been suspended from the Labour Party over allegations involving antisemitism.
Multiple sources confirmed to the JC that Audrey White, a member of Liverpool Riverside Labour Party, has been administratively suspended pending an investigation into the claims.
Asked to comment on Ms White’s suspension, a Labour spokesperson said: “The Labour Party takes all complaints of antisemitism extremely seriously and they are fully investigated in line with our rules and procedures, and any appropriate disciplinary action is taken.”
The JC contacted Ms White for comment over her suspension from the party last month.
We have also contacted Labour for comment on Mr McDonnell's response to her suspension.