The veteran Labour MP says she felt at risk after Frank Hester’s comments and expected more support from the Labour leader

Diane Abbott has slammed Sir Keir Starmer for not defending her more and treating her as a “non-person” over racist comments made by a Conservative donor in an upcoming Newsnight interview. The Labour official, the first black woman to become an MP, was the target of comments made by Frank Hester which she said made her feel in danger.

Conference season could have arrived at an ideal moment for Starmer, who will see his party fête as an opportunity to reset.

In an interview with, Abbott also claimed her suspension from Labour last year over alleged antisemitic comments was a "move against me", as Sir Keir Starmer wanted to "finish his clear out of the Labour left".