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Former Labour Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell hesitated following a question by Sky host Trevor Phillips about Keir Starmer’s future as party leader. Mr McDonnell insisted he did not get “involved” in “comments about individuals” and stressed it was about “the wider movement”. He also renewed calls for Jeremy Corbyn to be allowed back into the party after his whip was suspended last year.<\/p>\n
Mr McDonnell said: “I know we have been tied down with Covid pandemic but the last 12 months should have been used to that effect.<\/p>\n
“Even in the second world war at our lowest point, progressive and socialists were dreaming and planning the society we want to create.<\/p>\n
“That’s what we should have been doing.<\/p>\n
“That’s what we should be doing now.”<\/p>\n
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But Trevor Phillips asked McDonnell if Sir Keir should step down following Diane Abbott’s statement that if Labour loses the Batley and Spen by-election in the coming weeks, Mr Starmer should get the sack.<\/p>\n
Mr McDonnell hesitated to reply: “It always gets back to the political programme. This is an issue the whole movement has got to face. It is never down to the individual!<\/p>\n
“Just like Tony Benn, I never get dragged down into comments about individuals!<\/p>\n
“I don’t get into the personality issue…”<\/p>\n