Chris Williamson has the whip removed by Labour following accusations of anti-Semitism

Labour MP Chris Williamson has had the whip removed from him by the party amid allegations of anti-Semitism. 

This is pending a decision by the National Executive Committee and Mr Williamson has said he wil do his “utmost to fight for my membership”. 

Jennie Formby, the party’s general secretary, is said to have written to the committee about issues raised in a latter from MP Keith Vaz, regarding Mr Williamson. 

A Labour Party source said: “Jennie Formby has written to the NEC to inform them that the issues raised in Keith Vaz’s email will be on the agenda for the NEC Disputes Committee’s next meeting. 

“Under the Party’s rule book, the General Secretary and the Leader of the Party cannot overturn decisions made by NEC panels, which are advised by independent barristers. Only the NEC has the power to do so.

“Subsequently, the Whip is not restored as the decision is still pending.”

In a tweet on Friday evening, Mr Williamson said: “They say a week is a long time in politics: it seems two days is even longer.

“I’m naturally concerned by the lack of due process and consistency in how my case is being handled. I’ve been a loyal Labour member for 43 years, and will do my utmost to fight for my membership.”

Mr Williamson was previously suspended in February pending an investigation after he claimed Labour had been “too apologetic” in response to complaints on the issue.

The MP for Derby North was issued with a “notice of investigation for a pattern of behaviour” and a decision was later taken by the party’s to suspend him.

After the disciplinary investigation concluded he was allowed to fully return to the Party, though the decision, announced on Wednesday, was met with outrage.

The latest move to have him suspended from the PLP came after calls, led by deputy leader Tom Watson, for Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to step in and withdraw the whip himself.

The motion calls for the case to be referred to the parliamentary committee, the influential backbench body which meets weekly with Mr Corbyn, at its next meeting on Wednesday.

If approved, under standing orders, it would then go a vote of the full PLP at Westminster.

The motion says: “Due to the exceptional circumstances in this case we are of the view that the allegation of bringing the Labour Party into disrepute made against Chris Williamson warrants an investigation by the parliamentary committee under this standing order and full consideration given to a recommendation of removal of the whip to the PLP.

“We therefore seek to ask the PLP to take action to suspend the whip from Chris Williamson for a period of a year.”

Signatories to the motion include Yvette Cooper, Dame Margaret Hodge, Wes Streeting, David Lammy and Diana Johnson.

Under party rules, Mr Williamson would be entitled to make representations to the parliamentary committee before his case is referred to the PLP.