Labour deputy demands suspension of Willsman over ‘anti-Semitic rant’

Labour deputy leader Tom Watson has demanded the immediate suspension of a senior Labour figure over an "anti-Semitic rant".

Pete Willsman, who sits on Labour's National Executive Committee (NEC), was caught on a tape, obtained by LBC, claiming anti-Semitism has been "whipped up" by the Israeli embassy working within the party.

Mr Watson said Mr Willsman must be suspended immediately.

He said: "The fact that a member of Labour's governing body feels he can continue to make such offensive remarks after being warned for similar outbursts previously shows how serious the problem of anti-Semitism is in our party.

"The general secretary must make good on the promise that was made following Mr Willsman's previous outburst, that he would face disciplinary action if he engaged in similar conduct again.

"He must be suspended from the NEC and from party membership immediately."

A Labour Party spokeswoman confirmed an investigation would be launched into Mr Willsman's alleged comments.

She said: "The Labour Party takes all complaints of anti-Semitism extremely seriously and we are committed to challenging and campaigning against it in all its forms.

"All complaints about anti-Semitism are fully investigated in line with our rules and procedures and any appropriate disciplinary action is taken."