Jeremy Corbyn poised to challenge Sir Keir Starmer’s decision to bar him from standing for Labour

JEREMY Corbyn is poised to challenge Sir Keir Starmer’s decision to bar him from standing at the next election for Labour.

The ex-leader branded the decision from his successor a “flagrant attack” on democracy as the row caused division in the party.

Starmer revealed the veteran wouldn’t stand again while welcoming a decision by the equality regulator to lift the party out of special measures over antisemitism failings under Corbyn.

Mr Corbyn said: “Keir Starmer’s statement about my future is a flagrant attack on the democratic rights of Islington North Labour Party members.

“It is up to them - not party leaders - to decide who their candidate should be. Any attempt to block my candidacy is a denial of due process, and should be opposed by anybody who believes in the value of democracy.”

Ally Diane Abbott indicated he wouldn’t run as an independent in his London seat Islington North where he has stood for four decades.

“The day Starmer won leadership of the Labour Party he described Jeremy Corbyn as a friend and a colleague. Now he wants to throw him out of the party.”

She also hit back at claims that Sir Keir attempted to address antisemitism issues under Corbyn.

Ms Abbott said: “I was in Jeremy’s shadow cabinet alongside Starmer. It is nonsense to say he was fighting privately.”

Ex-shadow Chancellor John McDonnell said the Labour leader is making a “mistake” to block him from standing for Labour.