Labour is having the sort of day that Ukip used to offer up on a reasonably regular basis. Jeremy Corbyn’s head of policy Andrew Fisher has been suspended and faces an investigation by the party for urging voters in his constituency to back the Class War candidate over the Labour one. But Jeremy Corbyn has backed his head of policy, saying he hopes the matter can be resolved quickly.
Corbyn said this afternoon:
These sorts of stories are the ones that shouldn’t see the light of day in politics: they are what spin doctors dismiss as ‘process stories’, but they tell us a great deal firstly about a party’s structure, and secondly about the party’s media management operation. That Corbyn – never a great believer in a ‘media management operation’ anyway – has publicly given his own thoughts on the investigation into his colleague shows us that Labour’s internal organisation is not particularly stable at present. That isn’t a surprise. And neither will it be a surprise if someone who endorsed another a party a few months ago retains their position in Corbyn’s office long-term. UPDATE, 5.59pm: Caroline Flint, who is believed to have made the complaint about Fisher that prompted his suspension, has issued this rather pointed statement with Siobhain McDonagh:‘I have full confidence in Andrew Fisher and his work. I respect the integrity of the General Secretary’s office and trust that this matter will be settled as quickly as possible.’
‘We are pleased that without fear or favour the Labour Party is enforcing its rules. These rules must apply equally to all members whether they deliver leaflets, are elected representatives or are staff in the Leader’s office. On behalf of those hard working members who were offended by Mr Fisher’s activities which included supporting a candidate against Labour in May, it is only right that the General Secretary has initiated an enquiry.’
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