LABOUR chief John McDonnell yesterday backed candidate Ian Byrne despite him using a homophobic slur online.
The wannabe MP for safe seat Liverpool Derby West has also made vile jibes at Tory Peer Michelle Mone, rape jokes about the PMs mother and gags about domestic violence.
John McDonnell has continued to back a Labour candidate after he used a homophobic slur
Ian Byrne also made vile jibes about a Tory MP, rape jokes about the PM’s mother and gags about domestic violence
But Mr McDonnell said: Ian in the past has made statements, some years ago, that he now regrets.
But the good thing about the Labour Party is we recruit people, we introduce them to new ideas particularly around equality and actually they learn and are transformed individually, and I think thats what happened to Ian over the years.
I come from a Catholic background and I have a great belief in the powers of conversion, and thats what we do.
Byrne has clung to his position with extreme-left local branches of the Labour party also publishing a letter unreservedly showing him support.
In an open letter to the partys NEC they said: Ians selection was a hard won, member led campaign that had to overcome dirty tricks and attacks at all stages.
To think that after all this his candidacy might be at risk is unfathomable. Not least because the members who worked so hard to get a real, working class, socialist candidate elected are the very same members who will be campaigning door to door in nearby marginal constituencies.
Liz Truss, Tory Minister for Women and Equalities, said: Its truly shocking that Jeremy Corbyns Labour Party are rallying behind this candidate for public office despite his outrageous views.
Corbyns weak leadership means that he has totally lost control of his party.
Its high time that Jeremy Corbyn took action to stamp out language and attitudes not fit for public life.
“If Corbyn got into Number 10 he would be unable to stand up to these people and would create chaos with his plans for two more referendums. Only the Conservatives can get Brexit done and focus on peoples priorities.
Liz Truss has said it is ‘truly shocking’ that the Labour Party are rallying behind Mr Byrne
