Top official reverses initial decision not to suspend Chris Williamson after pressure from within party

Labour’s deep divisions over antisemitism were exposed afresh on Wednesday, after the party’s top official, Jennie Formby, succumbed to intense pressure and suspended the MP Chris Williamson.

The announcement reversed a decision hours earlier to allow Williamson to continue to remain a Labour MP, while a “pattern of behaviour” was investigated – which had sparked a furious backlash from senior MPs, including the deputy leader, Tom Watson.

Related: Chris Williamson: from Blairite to isolated Labour outsider

Chris Williamson has produced a long-winded and heavily caveated apology. It is not good enough. If it was in my gift I would have removed the whip from him already. pic.twitter.com/IuEpDM1Ak2

Related: Labour doesn’t have zero tolerance of antisemitism if Chris Williamson is an MP | Jonathan Freedland

We must set the highest standards for ourselves on issues of racism, sexism and bullying if we are to be seen as a party that can lead on behalf of all sections of our communities. pic.twitter.com/zGMINqSqE3

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