Corbyn ally Chris Williamson faces new anti-Semitism row disciplinary hearing that could see him EXPELLED from Labour as supporters protest outside party headquarters against ‘witch hunt’ targeting the hard-Left MP

• Derby North MP will remain suspended pending the outcome of the hearing
• He had been let off with a warning, prompting uproar among MPs and party staff
• Had alleged Labour had been too apologetic about anti-Semitism claims 

A close ally of Jeremy Corbyn will face a fresh review of anti-Semitism claims after a previous decision to let him off with a warning prompted an outcry.

Chris Williamson will remain suspended from Labour pending the outcome of a hearing understood to be taking place as soon as possible following a decision by the party’s disputes panel this morning.

The Derby North MP had been cleared for reinstatement into the parliamentary party after being suspended for after a pattern of behaviour that included saying the party was ‘too apologetic’ about cases of Jew-hate in February.

But that prompted more than 120 MPs and 100 staff led by deputy leader Tom Watson to demand stronger action be taken.

This morning there were protests outside Labour headquarters by supporters of the 62-year-old who feel he is the victim of a witch hunt.

Mr Williamson was cleared for reinstatement into the parliamentary party after being suspended for after a pattern of behaviour that included saying the party was ‘too apologetic’ about cases of Jew-hate

A host of shadow cabinet ministers criticised the decision last month to reinstate Mr Williamson, including frontbench allies of Mr Corbyn including Rebecca Long-Bailey, Angela Rayner and Jon Ashworth.

And there was fury as a pregnant Labour MP faced a deselection threat for opposing Mr Williamson’s readmission. 

A pro-Williamson protester at Labour HQ this morning

Lewisham West and Penge MP Ellie Reeves, 38, is under pressure from members of her constituency Labour Party after she was among a group of 121 Labour MPs and peers who called for Mr Williamson to lose the whip. 

This morning more than 100 Jewish activists wrote tot he Guardian newspaper in support of Mr Williamson.

The group, led by left wing American political activist Noam Chumsky and including comic Alexei Sayle, wrote that Williamson had ‘correctly stated that the Labour party has done more than any other party to combat the scourge of anti-Semitism and that, therefore, its stance should be less apologetic.’ 

‘Such attacks on Jeremy Corbyn’s supporters aim to undermine not only the party’s leadership but also all pro-Palestinian members,’ they added.

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