Labour in deselection row over former High Peak MP

Another row in the Labour Party has erupted over the deselection of a sitting county councillor, who it accused of being embroiled in antisemitism.

Ruth George, who represents Whaley Bridge and Blackbrook on Derbyshire County Council, took to social media at the weekend to take a swipe at both Labour and its High Peak MP Jon Pearce – a role she held between 2017-2019. 

“Not a single concern has been raised with me by the Party about my 5 years as councillor, when I have sought to do my best for the whole community, for the many individuals in need who seek my help, and for the Labour Party. 

“It has been falsely alleged that I am “not supportive” of the current MP - who in spite of my efforts to do so, has refused to work or campaign with me and has supported one of his staff members to become the Labour candidate for Whaley Bridge & Blackbrook, instead of me. 

“I am deeply saddened that the Labour Party - which I joined at age 18 and have dedicated 37 years of my life to working hard for and representing - decided to support bullying behaviour instead of the inclusive teamwork and solidarity I have always valued in our party. 

“I will continue to be the county councillor for Whaley Bridge and Blackbrook until the May elections and will do my best for everyone while considering my options. 

“I’ve loved being the county councillor for my home area, supporting the wonderful people and organisations that make up our lovely community to try and achieve the best for our area.” 

Labour rebuffed Cllr George’s claims, with a spokesperson for the party saying: “We have robust due diligence processes in place to make sure everyone selected to stand for the Labour Party is of the highest calibre.  

“We do not comment on the selection process for individuals.” 

It is understood that MPs don’t play a role in selecting local election candidates. 

Cllr George, a strong ally of Jeremy Corbyn during his tenure as Labour leader, was forced to apologise in 2019 after she suggested it was “possible” that seven of the party’s former MPs - who defected after experiencing antisemitic abuse - were being supported by the Israeli state. 

This included Baroness Berger, the then-MP for Liverpool Waverley who was an ex-Director of the Labour Friends of Israel, of which Jon Pearce is the current parliamentary chair. 

Other senior figures in the party have rallied to support the decision to remove Cllr George, including the National Chair of the Jewish Labour Movement, Lord Katz: “"It is only right that Labour has blocked Ruth George from being a council candidate, given her woeful track record on antisemitism under Corbyn.   

“The Labour Party has changed under Keir Starmer; voters in High Peak can be assured that - whoever or wherever they are - we will only put forward candidates for election who are fit for public office.” 

A spokesperson for the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester & Region added: “We welcome the decision by the Labour Party to select a new candidate to stand in the forthcoming elections in Whaley Bridge and Blackbrook.  

“Outgoing Cllr Ruth George will be remembered by those who fought against antisemitism in the Labour Party as someone who had to apologise for voicing a conspiracy theory, suggesting people leaving the party over anti-Jewish racism were possibly funded by Israel.  

“In addition, she at best turned a blind eye or at worst actively supported colleagues in her CLP [Constituency Labour Party] alleged to have made appalling antisemitic comments.   

“As the Labour Party continues to repair the damage done under its previous leadership, it is right and proper that the best candidates for the role are put forward whether that be locally or nationally.”