How Corbyn supporters succeeded in burning Labour’s house down – Ayesha Harazika

Leaked Labour report reveals party’s savage side and sets off a renewed bout of infighting, particularly over anti-semitism within its ranks, writes Ayesha Hazarika.

Former Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn

While the rest of the country was sick with worry over Covid-19, the Labour party did what it does best: leaked a report which caused an explosion of infighting.

The Corbynites were never going to go gently into the night. They wanted to burn down the house as they left, and mission accomplished.

This report was hugely upsetting but, in many ways, I’m glad it’s all out there as it clarifies a number of important issues germane to the future of the party.

Whoever leaked it shows they don’t give a fig about data protection laws (which could cost the party dearly in fines) and the safety of individuals – particularly those who were whistle-blowers on the party’s failure to handle anti-semitism.

Their names are now out there in the public domain to be hounded, bullied and showered with abuse and threats of violence.

Doxxing Jewish people for speaking out really is some way of showing you care about the issue, but is bang on brand for a wing of Labour politics which has always dismissed accusations of anti-semitism as a “witch-hunt”.

But if this was an attempt to try to exonerate Team Corbyn from any blame in the anti-semitism scandal, it has backfired rather spectacularly.

Corbyn could have done so much to help himself by, for example, saying sorry to the Jewish community in the middle of the election campaign when Andrew Neil asked him to.

I didn’t see the bit when some pesky official rushed on set and gaffer taped his gob shut, stifling his heartfelt apology. That was probably cut, as the BBC was also conspiring against him.

Problems pre-date Corbyn

Clearly this report is highly factional and selective but it exposes unprofessional and unacceptable behaviour by some at Labour HQ.

It is not a crime to think your boss would make a terrible Prime Minister. The majority of the country thought so too. Twice.

But the language and tone used by some senior Labour officials – many of whom I know – horrified me, particularly towards Diane Abbott.

I have spoken to many Labour MPs and former advisers who are no fan of Corbyn but are really upset, partly because they recognise this behaviour and have the scars on their own backs.

I have always been honest about the fact that many of the problems in Labour pre-date Corbyn, even though he and his acolytes have made things worse.

Unfettered power behind the throne

I’m afraid there has been a culture within the party for a long time where elected politicians, especially women or ethnic minority voices, were often dismissed or derided.

Cliquey senior advisers and staffers thought they knew best. Unelected unfettered power behind the throne can be dangerous, regardless of faction.

So, this culture isn’t new, but coupled with the most vicious factional war over the last five years, you have a pretty ugly spectacle for a party which prides itself on decency.

The new leadership must clear out all the old guard and start afresh.

Starmer’s huge advantage right now is that he’s recently run a serious, professional organisation (the Crown Prosecution Service), isn’t a creature of any faction and is not a vengeful man.

Labour has become savage. We all need to be better people. The public demands that of us, especially right now.

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