Jeremy Corbyn tonight came out fighting after Sir Keir Starmer barred him from standing as a Labour candidate at the next general election.
The former Labour leader accused his successor of a “flagrant attack on the democratic rights” of party members in his Islington North constituency and a “denial of due process”.
It comes after Sir Keir earlier confirmed he will not allow Mr Corbyn to stand for Labour when the country takes to the polls next year.
In a statement posted on Twitter, Mr Corbyn said: “Ever since I was elected as a Labour MP 40 years ago, I have fought on behalf of my community for a more equal, caring and peaceful society.
“Day in day out, I am focused on the most important issues facing people in Islington North: poverty, rising rents, the healthcare crisis, the safety of refugees, and the fate of our planet.
“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.
“At a time when the Government is overseeing the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation, this is a divisive distraction from our overriding goal: to defeat the Conservative Party at the next general election.
“I am proud to represent the labour movement in Parliament through my constituency.
“I am focused on standing up for workers on the picket line, the marginalised, and all those worried about their futures. That is what I’ll continue to do. I suggest the Labour Party does the same.”
The Labour leader has long indicated that Mr Corbyn will not stand again for the party but this is the first time he confirmed the barring of his predecessor.
MORE TO FOLLOW
