Derek Hatton suspended from Labour days after being readmitted

Firebrand Derek Hatton has been suspended from Labour just days after being readmitted to the party.

The move comes after the outspoken left-winger announced he had been accepted back into the party fold earlier this week after being expelled from Labour 34 years ago.

The suspension is believed to have followed concerns being raised about Mr Hatton’s Twitter history.

Former Labour politician Derek Hatton has been suspended from the party again. Picture: Leon Neal/Getty Images

Mr Hatton is the former deputy leader of Liverpool City Council.

A Labour source said: “Derek Hatton was given provisional membership pending National Executive Committee (NEC) approval.

“The party was not aware of this material.

“Once this was brought to our attention, he was suspended pending the NEC’s decision.”

Shadow international trade secretary Barry Gardiner told the Commons today he had written to the Labour Party’s general secretary and “lodged a formal complaint” against Mr Hatton.

Mr Gardiner’s comments followed Labour MP Neil Coyle saying Mr Hatton had tweeted “what seemed to imply that every Jew, wherever they live in the world, is responsible for the actions of the Israeli government”, adding: “Does he share my view that Derek Hatton has no part to play in our Labour Party?”

The shadow cabinet member replied: “This morning I saw the reports about not just the readmission of Derek Hatton but the tweets he has mentioned.

“I wrote to the general secretary of our party, I lodged a formal complaint. I understand that action has since been taken in respect of the complaint and I’m sure that I will be looking out to see precisely what appropriate action is taken in due course.

“I totally agree with you. I think it was a travesty that, at least I think many of us knew for some while that he had applied to rejoin the party, but for the news of his readmission to come to public attention on the very day when some members of our party were forced out - I think it was appalling.”

Labour would not be drawn on the matter, with a party spokesman stating: “We do not comment on individual members.”