Fresh controversy has arisen in the labour anti-Semitism row, with as a provocative activist is re-elected to their National Executive Committee.
Peter Willsman had previously accused Jewish ‘Trump fanatics’ of largely fabricating the extent of the anti-Semitism problem within the labour party.
Willsman received over 70,000 votes in the NEC ballot, retaining his place on the council.
He finished just above Eddie Izzard, who retains his position on the party’s ruling body.
Willsman retained his position on the council despite a recording being leaked in which he stated there is little evidence for anti-Semitism within the party, further worrying those who believe the party do not take the issue seriously.
In the recording – made at a previous NEC meeting – Willsman claims there is limited evidence of anti-Semitism, also stating ‘And some of these people in the Jewish community support Trump – they are Trump fanatics and all the rest of it’.
Ballot papers were circulated on the 26th July – with Willsman listed on the momentum slate – with the recording emerging four days later.
Momentum had decided to drop Willsman from its list of slate candidates after the recording emerged, however, Willsman still managed to retain his seat on the board.
All the momentum slate candidates gained a seat on the NEC, with Willsman finishing just behind, showing the extent of support within the party for Jeremy Corbyn’s wing.
This comes as footage has come to light of Jeremy Corbyn claiming to have visited Auschwitz in 2008, however, he has refused to reaffirm this and speculation is rife that he had lied about visiting the site where millions of Jews were murdered by the Nazi’s.
Willsmans election has once again raised the question as to whether the labour party has a culture of anti-Semitism and whether the party take the issue seriously.
