John McDonnell backs Labour candidate Ian Byrne despite homophobic slur and rape jokes
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 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 that’s 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 that’s 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 party’s NEC they said: “Ian’s 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: “It’s truly shocking that Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour Party are rallying behind this candidate for public office despite his outrageous views.
MOST READ IN POLITICS
“Corbyn’s weak leadership means that he has totally lost control of his party.
“It’s 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 people’s priorities.”
- GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL [email protected]