The picture we’ve been waiting for… Welcome home, Louise!
Sir Keir Starmer warmly embraces Dame Louise Ellman after the former Labour MP announced she'll return to the party, two years after quitting due to antisemitism under Corbyn.
Dame Louise Ellman is rejoining the Labour Party – two years after quitting over antisemitism under Jeremy Corbyn.
Jewish News can reveal that the former Liverpool Riverside MP has confirmed to Labour bosses she is convinced Keir Starmer is succeeding in his bid to rid the party of anti-Jewish racism.
One source said: “It broke Louise’s heart having to quit the party in 2019. But she was adamant she would only rejoin when she was convinced things had changed.”
The announcement is a massive coup for Starmer ahead of his speech to conference on Wednesday.
Ellman is set to appear at conference in Brighton on Tuesday.
On Monday Labour backs moves to introduce an independent complaints system.
In her statement, Dame Louise said: “I am confident that, under the leadership of Keir Starmer, the party is once again led by a man of principle in whom the British people and Britain’s Jews can have trust. Whilst there remains a great deal more to do to tackle antisemitism in the party, I am encouraged by the steps already taken and the progress made so far.
“Keir has shown a willingness to confront both the anti-Jewish racists and the toxic culture which allowed antisemitism to flourish. In beginning the process of stamping out the poison of antisemitism, he has demonstrated leadership and, crucially, action. He has my full support.
“The rule changes accepted by conference this week are an important step to ensure the party’s disciplinary processes are fit for purpose, a vital part of tackling antisemitism in the party.
Today I have rejoined @UKLabour, returning to my political home. pic.twitter.com/fHS6kZlwDI
— Louise Ellman (@LouiseEllman) September 27, 2021
Keir Starmer MP, Leader of the Labour Party, said: “On becoming leader of the Labour Party, I committed to ripping out the poison of antisemitism from our party. We have made significant progress, but I have always said that that the true test of success is regaining the trust of the Jewish community, and for Jewish people to know that the Labour Party is a safe place for them.
“Louise Ellman re-joining our Party is a poignant moment. Her courage and dignity in standing up against appalling abuse is testament to her Labour values. I am heartened to know that her faith in our party has been restored enough for her to return to her political home.
“The Labour Party is now relentlessly focused on showing that our credible and ambitious policy programme can change people’s lives. I look forward to Louise’s contributions.”
Mike Katz of the Jewish Labour Movement said: “This is the best news – our Honorary President and former Parliamentary Chair back where she belongs. It was a disgrace she ever left, the best of our Party hounded out by the worst. Louise rejoining sends a clear signal to the Jewish community that Labour is changing for the better.”
Labour Friends of Israel chair Steve McCabe MP said: “I’m absolutely delighted that my predecessor Louise Ellman has returned to the party. Louise is a true Labour titan. The day she was forced out of the party over anti-Jewish racism was one of the worst moments in our party’s history; that she now feels able to return speaks volumes about the progress made to tackle anti-Jewish racism by Keir Starmer. As Louise has said, there is still much more to do to tackle the far too prevalent obsession with demonising Israel and fully rebuild trust with the Jewish community, but I know having Louise back in the party to continue this fight from the inside will be pivotal in tackling this poison once and for all.”
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