Diane Abbott, the former shadow home secretary and Labour stalwart, has disclosed to the BBC that she has been barred from standing as a Labour candidate in the forthcoming general election.

Abbott’s suspension from the Labour Party in April 2023, following comments regarding racism, has seemingly culminated in her exclusion from candidacy in her long-held seat of Hackney North and Stoke Newington.

Though her suspension was lifted following an investigation, Abbott expressed her dismay at being sidelined as a candidate for her party. Despite Labour’s silence on her replacement, Abbott’s exclusion raises questions about the party’s candidate selection process and future strategy.

Wes Streeting, Labour’s shadow health secretary, welcomed Abbott’s reinstatement but acknowledged the gravity of her previous comments, labeling them as “wrong.” He further asserted that Abbott’s apology had been accepted, indicating an attempt at reconciliation within the party ranks.

However, Abbott’s exclusion has sparked criticism from various quarters. Momentum, a left-wing campaign group, condemned the decision as “appalling, vindictive, and cruel,” reflecting broader discontent with the treatment of Abbott by Labour’s leadership.

The controversy surrounding Abbott stems from comments made in the Observer in which she asserted that certain groups, including Jewish, Irish, and Traveller people, do not face racism throughout their lives. Despite issuing an apology and withdrawing her remarks, the ensuing investigation cast a shadow over her political future.

Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC) issued Abbott a formal warning for conduct deemed detrimental to the party, prompting her to undertake an antisemitism awareness course. Despite completing the course, Abbott’s exclusion from candidacy underscores unresolved tensions within Labour’s internal processes.

The exclusion of Abbott comes amidst a broader backdrop of political upheaval within Labour. Former MP Graham Jones, whose suspension was recently lifted, also faces uncertainty regarding his candidacy. Meanwhile, former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, expelled from the party, has announced his intention to contest his seat as an independent candidate.

As Labour grapples with internal divisions and controversies, Abbott’s exclusion highlights the challenges facing the party as it seeks to navigate a path forward in an increasingly turbulent political landscape.