EXCL: Louise Ellman launches new staunch defence of Keir Starmer ahead of local elections

Dame Louise Ellman has issued a staunch new defence Keir Starmer saying he has “repeatedly and publicly shown his determination to root out the antisemitism that had poisoned Labour and made British Jews fearful.”

In an intervention clearly timed to help Starmer’s party ahead of Thursday’s local elections, Ellman also claimed his support for the IHRA definition of antisemitism under former leader Jeremy Corbyn “was very important”.

Former Liverpool Riverside MP Ellman told Jewish News: “The Corbyn era was a terrible time. Some stayed to fight from within the party, others left.

“Starmer’s public support for Labour adopting IHRA in full was very important.

“Its adoption was the turning point in the fight against Labour antisemitism.

“Corbyn supporters are still trying to get this overturned or weakened.”

Recalling how she was “forced out” of Labour in October 2019, by “pernicious antisemitism” Ellman said she rejoined in September 2021  “because I was convinced that Keir Starmer, Labour’s new leader, was tackling this shameful legacy.”

She added: “I was right to do so.”

Ellman said “change had to come from the top” in Labour and that “members have been expelled and suspended”.

She added: “Some have left of their own accord, realising that this is a very different Labour Party. Is there more to do? A resounding ‘yes’!”

A staunch supporter of Israel, Ellman said: “It will take time to  fully restore trust after the  damage of the Corbyn years  and we must maintain pressure on  the Labour Party to continue to root out anti Jewish racism. ”

She pointed to the training programme on antisemitism run by the Jewish Labour Movement.

Ellman said: “It should be expanded. Labour Party rules must be enforced and offending members should be expelled as appropriate after a fair hearing.”

Looking forwards she said: “It is ,however, clear that since  Keir Starmer became Leader, the Labour Party has become a different place.

“Jewish voters can now safely cast their vote for Labour if they agree on the issues and Jewish candidates can again stand for Labour with pride.”