Labour uncertainty over candidates as Diane Abbott accuses Starmer of ‘cull’ of left

Diane Abbott addressing the People’s Assembly Britain is Broken national demonstration in central London (Yui Mok/PA)

Labour veteran Diane Abbott accused Keir Starmer of an “appalling” cull of left-wingers as she faced continued uncertainty about her own political future.

Ms Abbott said she wanted to fight to retain her seat “as long as it is possible” but she criticised decisions made by Labour to exclude candidates from the party left.