Ruth Smeeth tipped for Westminster return in the Lords
Ex-MP Smeeth - an outspoken campaigner against antisemitism in Labour under Jeremy Corbyn - is reportedly on list of nominations for new peerages, which also includes businessman and Tory donor Sir Michael Hintze and Tom Watson
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
The outspoken campaigner against antisemitism Ruth Smeeth is to make a return to Westminster after being nominated for a peerage, reports have claimed.
The former Labour MP, and senior figure within the Jewish Labour Movement, has been named on a list of new political peerages expected to be announced by Downing Street within days.
The Telegraph reports that Smeeth has been nominated for a place in the Lords by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.
Former deputy Labour leader Tom Watson, who again spoke out about antisemitism in the party under Jeremy Corbyn, is also reportedly on the same list.
There are 15 Conservatives on the current list to become new peers, said to be drawn up by Boris Johnson, more than all the other political parties combined.
Labour is expected to get just eight new Lords.
Sir Michael Hintze, the businessman and Conservative donor, is also reportedly in line to be elevated to the Lords, after appearing on former Prime Minister’s list.
He has given £4.7 million in donations, according to the Electoral Commission database.
Paul Dacre, the former Daily Mail editor, is also set to become a Tory peer
Former Stoke on Trent North MP Smeeth has repeatedly received death threats and has been the target for sustained abuse online from supporters of former Labour leader Corbyn.
She lost her seat at the 2019 election, but has worked as chief executive of Index on Censorship since.
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