'I will not be intimidated!' Diane Abbott vows to stand as MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington following Labour row

Speaking at the rally, Abbott said: "By any means possible, I will continue to stand as the candidate for Hackney North."

She added: "I was shocked to learn yesterday that I am going to be banned from running for the Labour Party.

"I have been selected by my local party members, many of whom are here today, but the national party is insisting that I be banned."

Abbott was reprimanded by Southside's top brass following a letter to The Guardian suggesting Jewish people do not face racism.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer denied Abbott had been barred from standing as a party candidate.

He said: "No that's not true. No decision has been taken to bar Diane Abbott."

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Labour has not yet selected its candidate in Hackney North & Stoke Newington seat.

Despite stressing she would campaign for a Labour Government, Abbott's comments opened the door to a potential run as an independent.

She could join ex-partner Jeremy Corbyn, who is running as an independent in Islington North, as a candidate with the backing of far-left group Momentum.

A spokesperson for Momentum said: "We are sickened and disgusted by this news - the way Keir Starmer has treated Britain's first Black woman MP is appalling, vindictive and cruel."

Six trade unions have also put pressure on Starmer to confirm Abbott as the candidate in Hackney North & Stoke Newington, including Aslef and Unite.

Labour was accused of dragging out its decision on Abbott after reportedly completing its inquiry in December 2023.

Abbott was instructed to undertake an online course on antisemitism and received an email from Labour's Chief Whip acknowledging its completion.

Several Labour MPs have spoken out against Southside's handling of the Abbott debacle.

Labour MP Mick Whitley expressed his "full solidarity" with Abbott, adding: "She must be allowed to stand in Hackney North if she wants to."

Darren Jones, who serves as Shadow Chief Secretary of the Treasury, also said: "She’s a member of the parliamentary Labour Party again, and if she wants to talk to the Labour Party about standing at the next election, I’m sure that conversation will be taking place."

London's Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan threw his weight behind Abbott's candidacy, stressing: "I think it’s really important that she’s given the respect she deserves."

Abbott's candidacy debate comes as Brighton Kemptown MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle was barred from standing on July 4 over a serious complaint.

Russell-Moyle described the complaint as "vexatious and politically motivated" but argued there "isn't enough time to defend" his case.

Corbyn, who is a figurehead of the Labour left, also held a launch event of around 150 supporters in Islington North tonight.

He will take on Islington Councillor Praful Nargund for his eleventh consecutive general election.

The former Leader of the Opposition is expected to run a strong campaign and could deal Starmer a blow if he returns to the House of Commons as an independent.