Two out of three areas of focus look more like pretext for targeting the party’s left

Keir Starmer and his deputy Angela Rayner have announced an ‘independent’ investigation into the leaked Labour report highlighting the actions of right-wing former staff, who the report accuses of sabotaging the Labour party’s electoral efforts and obstructing disciplinary processes.

However, the details of the announcement have raised concerns that Starmer’s investigation looks more like a pretext for action against the left of the party, as two out of three of its areas of focus involve investigating those who commissioned and created the report – and those who leaked it when no action was taken:

We will therefore commission an urgent independent investigation into this matter. This investigation will be instructed to look at three areas. First, the background and circumstances in which the report was commissioned and the process involved. Second, the contents and wider culture and practices referred to in the report. Third, the circumstances in which the report was put into the public domain.

The SKWAWKBOX can also confirm that Starmer received a copy of the report almost as soon as his election as leader was announced. However, no action was taken until the report was leaked.

Starmer’s announcement also seems to hint at a potential circling of the wagons around those the report accuses:

In the meantime, we ask everyone concerned to refrain from drawing conclusions before the investigation is complete and we will be asking the General Secretary to put measures in place to protect the welfare of party members and party staff who are concerned or affected by this report.

If this investigation goes ahead, those who commissioned or leaked the report should not be its object. Those found guilty of the behaviour the report alleges must be censured, not those who exposed it.

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