Jeremy Corbyn’s former chief of staff has defended his leadership’s handling of antisemitism ahead of the publication of a probe by the equality watchdog.
Karie Murphy said she was proud that “antisemites were removed from the Labour Party more quickly, transparently and effectively than ever before” and blamed critics of Mr Corbyn for whipping up the long-running row.
Ms Murphy wrote in The Guardian that the party’s complaints system had been a mess when she took over Mr Corbyn’s office and efforts were made to remove antisemites from the party “swiftly and fairly”.
In comments likely to stoke anger, she said the coverage of the problem was “primarily driven by political opposition to Jeremy Corbyn ’s socialist, internationalist politics.”
Ms Murphy said “victims of antisemitism and their allies rightly demanded action” and expressed regret that Mr Corbyn’s team were unable to rebuild trust with Jewish communities.
She said she wanted to "set the record straight", adding: "I’m not speaking out for the first time to dismiss the fact that antisemitism reared its head among a small minority in the Labour party. It did.
"It was wrong and the party as a whole was slow to deal with it effectively.
"That failure, combined with a relentless and highly politicised media campaign had a serious impact: it hurt Jewish people and disturbed and confused many in our movement.
"Could more have been done earlier? Yes, of course.
"But what was done – including changes to the party’s rules and instituting detailed guidance on antisemitism for an expanded complaints team – unquestionably made it easier and swifter to remove antisemites from the party."
Her comments came as the party braced for publication of the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s long-awaited report on handling of anti-Jewish hate within its ranks.
The EHRC launched the probe last year to examine whether Labour had “unlawfully discriminated against, harassed or victimised people because they are Jewish”.
The commission, which was set up by Labour, has previously investigated the far-right BNP.
A full draft of the report was sent to Labour in July.
