Jeremy Corbyn ally who dismissed anti-Semitism allegations is re-elected onto Labour's ruling body
3 min read
An ally of Jeremy Corbyn who sparked a row by claiming Jewish people complaining of Labour anti-Semitism were "Trump fanatics" has been re-elected to the party's ruling body.
Pete Willsman was one of nine pro-Jeremy Corbyn candidates on a left-wing slate dubbed the '#JC9' who were voted back onto Labour's National Executive Committee following a ballot of party members.
Mr Willsman was condemned last month when a recording of his comments, made at a meeting of the NEC, were leaked.
He said: "Some of these people in the Jewish community support Trump - they're Trump fanatics and all the rest of it. So I am not going to be lectured to by Trump fanatics making up daft information without any evidence at all."
He later apologised "for any offence caused to those present and those to whom my remarks were reported".
Labour deputy leader Tom Watson led the criticism of the veteran activist, who he said "is and always has been a loud-mouthed bully".
Pro-Jeremy Corbyn campaign group Momentum also dropped its support for Mr Willsman, saying his comments "were deeply insensitive and inappropriate for a Momentum-backed NEC candidate".
But in a stunning result which further strengthens the left's grip on the Labour party, Mr Willsman was re-elected along with his eight other colleagues.
He received 70,321 votes to finish in ninth place, comfortably ahead of comedian Eddie Izzard, who received 67,819.
Yasmine Dar came top of the ballot with 88,176 votes, followed by Claudia Webbe on 83,797 and Momentum boss Jon Lansman with 83,072.
SHAMEFUL
Jennifer Gerber, director of Labour Friends of Israel, said: "It is deplorable that Pete Willsman has been re-elected to the NEC and a terrible reflection on Labour's commitment to tackling anti-Semitism.
"Jeremy Corbyn and Momentum should immediately call upon him not to take his seat, so his shameful remarks do not further taint the party's already tattered reputation."
Richard Angell, director of centre-left campaign group Progress, said: "The re-election of Pete Willsman shows institutional anti-Semitism in the party and the real need for action. However, with Willsman at the top table that is less likely to happen."
Denny Taylor, spokesperson for Labour Against Anti-Semitism, said: "The election of the ‘#JC9’ slate by Labour members to the party’s NEC raises further concerns about institutional anti-Semitism in the party.
"It is highly disappointing that, despite the raised profile of anti-Semitism in the Labour Party over the summer, Labour members have chosen to give their support to candidates so apparently ambivalent towards tackling what is an existential threat to our party."
The Conservatives meanwhile leapt on the election of Mr Willsman, accusing Labour of leaving promises to tackle anti-Semitism "in tatters".
Tory chairman Brandon Lewis said: "These results highlight yet again how the Labour leadership is not serious about tackling anti-Semitic racism.
"Jeremy Corbyn once promised a ‘kinder politics’, but the election of Peter Willsman, the man who described Jewish critics of Labour as ‘Trump fanatics’, has left that promise in tatters.
"Corbyn should unequivocally condemn Willsman’s election, and finally take action to address anti-Semitic racism within Labour."
But Laura Parker, Momentum's national co-ordinator said: "These results are a fantastic victory for ordinary grassroots members and another step forward in building a reinvigorated, democratic Labour party that is capable of winning the next election."
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