A former long-serving Liverpool MP has rejoined the Labour Party two years after quitting over antisemitism.
Dame Louise Ellman ended over half a century’s affiliation with the party in protest at leader Jeremy Corbyn’s mishandling of antisemitism allegations.
She was one of two local politicians to rescind their membership from the party at the time, joining erstwhile Wavertree MP Luciana Berger.
But Dame Louise confirmed on Monday that her decision to return to Labour was driven by positive steps taken under Corbyn’s successor Sir Keir Starmer.
In a statement during the party’s annual conference in Brighton, the former Riverside representative 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.”
Responding to the 75-year-old’s announcement, Sir Kier 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 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.”