Dame Margaret Hodge: Labour criticised after veteran MP faces re-selection battle in London seat

Dame Margaret Hodge is facing a fight to stay as the Labour MP for the Barking seat
Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
Tim Baker29 September 2019

Labour has been criticised after veteran MP Dame Margaret Hodge was told she would have to fight to keep her east London seat following a move by local members to trigger a re-selection contest.

Dame Margaret Hodge, who is Jewish, has been forced into the fight after activists in her constituency voted for the chance to pick a new candidate.

One of Jeremy Corbyn’s most outspoken critics, she is the second MP to face a re-selection contest under new party rules which make it easier for local members to initiate the proceedings.

Dame Margaret said she was "disappointed" by the result but would fight to keep her Barking seat.

She has angered some in the party for her criticism of Labour's response to complaints of anti-Semitism. On one occasion she told Mr Corbyn to his face that he is an "anti-Semite and racist".

The party is currently being investigated by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission over allegations of anti-semitism.

Mike Katz, chairman of the Jewish Labour Movement, called the trigger ballot vote a "shameful moment" for the party.

He said: "Margaret Hodge has been a steadfast campaigner against racism, fascism and intolerance throughout her political life.

Jeremy Corbyn during a visit to Chingford
PA

"She saw off the BNP in Barking and has over the last few years been determined in her opposition to anti-Semitism within the Labour Party.

"This is a shameful moment for a party which claims to embody the values of equality and diversity.

"She has been the target of vicious smears, derision and anti-Semitism, because she has been resolute in her opposition to anti-Jewish racism."

Labour's former deputy leader Harriet Harman said she was "dismayed more than I can say" by the vote.

She tweeted: "Margaret Hodge, scourge of tax avoiders, racists and anti-Semitism. Champion of progressive policies. Hyperactive local MP. Surely this cannot stand!"

In a statement, Dame Margaret said: "I am obviously disappointed. My priority remains serving the people of Barking as I have done for the last 25 years.

"At a vital time for the country, with a general election looming, we should be focusing our efforts on holding Boris Johnson and the Tories to account.

"I will work to secure the full backing of Barking Labour Party, so I can continue to play my part as their MP in doing that."