"the hierarchy of racism that exists in my own party."
Faiza Shaheen has announced she has resigned from the Labour Party after it barred her from being a candidate in east London.
She was blocked from standing for Labour at the general election on July 4 after she allegedly liked a series of social media posts that downplayed anti-Semitism accusations.
Ms Shaheen was initially chosen to represent Chingford and Woodford Green, where she has suggested she may now stand as an independent.
At the 2019 general election, she came second by just over 1,000 votes to ex-Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith.
Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC) confirmed that Ms Shaheen would not stand as a candidate.
Shama Tatler was selected in her place.
On X, Faiza Shaheen announced her resignation and accused Labour of conducting a “sham process initiated for spurious reasons” in order to remove her as a candidate.
She said: “Since my reselection, I have faced a relentless campaign of unfair treatment, bullying and hostility that I have never before experienced in all my personal or professional life.
“I have been penalised for describing my experiences of Islamophobia and been dismayed at the hierarchy of racism that exists in my own party.
“I have been prevented from speaking out on issues that really matter to me, including on public sector wages and Palestine.
“My removal shows that the desires of local members and my community mean nothing to the people at the top of the party.”
Ms Shaheen stated that she would not “beg and grovel to earn my place” in the party, concluding:
“I would like to thank all those Labour members who have worked so hard for me and those in the community who have supported and put their faith in me.
“We have become like family, and I am heartbroken that it has come to this.”
“I will be deciding my next steps and will make an announcement tomorrow.”
I’ve resigned from the Labour Party. pic.twitter.com/v80TNPm5IH
— Faiza Shaheen (@faizashaheen) June 4, 2024
On June 2, 2024, Faiza Shaheen scolded Labour for sending canvassers to her doorstep to ask for votes.
She published a photo of the apparent Labour canvasser, a woman dressed in pink, only to delete the picture and apologise following criticism from other activists.
Ms Shaheen previously insisted she did not remember liking one of the social media posts, which alleged that anyone critical of Israel is “assailed” by “professional organisations” who inflict “non-stop harassment” and “accuse you of anti-Semitism”.
The row comes amid criticisms of Sir Keir over an alleged purge of Left-wing politicians from Labour in the run-up to the general election.
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