Diane Abbott: Labour denies MP targeting Chief Whip post
Spokeswoman for Ms Abbott said she was very happy and did not want it
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Claims that Diane Abbott, a close ally of the Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, is angling to become the Chief Whip have been denied by the party.
She was said to be aiming to oust Rosie Winterton from the job of enforcing discipline on the Labour benches. Ms Winterton, who held the same post under Ed Miliband, has been under pressure following speculation she could be replaced by Mr Corbyn. She has fallen foul of Corbyn loyalists after abstaining in the recent vote on whether to bomb Isis targets in Syria.
Ms Winterton was loudly applauded last week when she declared at a meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party that “there should be no political consequences” for any MP following the vote.
The Mail on Sunday reported Ms Abbott, the shadow International Development Secretary, has been manoeuvring for the post. But a spokeswoman for Ms Abbott said she was very happy and did not want it.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments