Chris Williamson is suing
Labour over his re-suspension for claiming the party was “too apologetic” on anti-Semitism.
The strong supporter of
Jeremy Corbyn is preparing for potentially embarrassing court action against his party in a bid to be readmitted.
The Derby North MP said he was hoping to “overturn the unconstitutional decision” to reimpose his suspension from the “party I love”.
A source close to Williamson told PA that legal papers had already been filed in court. No further information was immediately provided.
Labour is understood to be confident its rules were followed and that there will be no successful grounds for a challenge.Related... Labour MP Praises Blogger Who Called Jo Cox An 'Al Qaeda Advocate' Williamson was originally suspended in February after he told a meeting of the Momentum campaign group that Labour was being “demonised” over the crisis.
But in July a panel of Labour’s National Executive Committee ruled that the suspension should be lifted following a formal warning.
The suspension was reimposed two days later after an outcry from MPs and Jewish groups.
The case is currently being considered by a new anti-Semitism panel.
The MP was suspended in February after footage emerged of him telling the meeting that Labour’s reaction to anti-Semitism allegations had led to the party being “demonised”.
Asked about the legal action, a Labour Party spokeswoman said: “Chris Williamson is suspended from the Labour Party pending a hearing of the National Constitutional Committee, Labour’s highest disciplinary body.
“We do not give a running commentary on individual cases.”
A campaign group was attempting to crowdfund £75,000 to support Williamson’s legal bid.Related... Panorama Showed Labour Can't Fight Anti-Semitism With Corbyn 'Misleading And Inaccurate' Letter Supporting MP Chris Williamson Removed By The Guardian