Britain's longest-serving female MP, Diane Abbott, is once again a member of the Labour Party. The party confirmed on Thursday that the whip has been restored to the veteran left-wing lawmaker, ending a suspension that began under former leader Keir Starmer. The decision, approved by an independent review board, marks a significant shift in party dynamics under new leadership. Main Developments Abbott, who represents Hackney North and Stoke Newington, had the whip restored on Thursday after a formal process conducted under party rules. The Labour Party confirmed the decision was made without input from party leadership and without political influence. Abbott was suspended in July 2025 following a BBC interview where she stated she did not regret earlier remarks suggesting Jewish, Irish, and Traveller people do not experience racism in the same way as those targeted because of skin colour. Read also: 3 reasons the 9th Circuit ruling on migrant detention matters In a social media statement, Abbott revealed she had also received a formal warning over a separate post where she referred to the Israeli army as the "Jewish Defence Force." She acknowledged the wording wrongly conflated the actions of the Israeli state with the Jewish community and expressed being "deeply sorry for any hurt caused." Alongside Abbott, MP Joani Reid was also reinstated after voluntarily stepping back following her husband's arrest on suspicion of assisting China's intelligence service. Background Abbott's suspension was not her first. She was initially suspended in 2023 over the same comments about racism, readmitted the following year, and then suspended again in 2025 after the BBC interview. Elected in 1987 as the first Black female MP, Abbott has been a prominent campaigner against racism in the UK. Known as 'Auntie Di' by supporters, she is a popular figure on the party's left wing, with over 38,000 people signing a petition calling for her reinstatement. The readmission comes shortly after a change in party leadership. Andy Burnham succeeded Keir Starmer as Labour leader and UK prime minister earlier this month. Critics of Starmer accuse his leadership team of forcing out Abbott and other left-wing MPs. The Board of Deputies and the Jewish Leadership Council had urged caution, stating any restoration of the whip required clear evidence of genuine remorse. Why It Matters Abbott's reinstatement signals a potential shift in Labour's internal politics under Burnham, who is seeking to distance himself from his predecessor. The case had divided the party, highlighting tensions between its left wing and the previous leadership. For the broader public, it underscores ongoing debates within the party about antisemitism, racism, and internal discipline. Abbott's return as a sitting Labour MP could influence future policy discussions and party unity. What's Next Two Labour MPs remain suspended. Karl Turner was suspended in March, reportedly over comments deemed disrespectful towards colleagues, though he claims the move was linked to his criticism of government policy on jury trials. Dan Norris was suspended after being arrested on suspicion of sexual offences. It remains unclear whether the new leadership will review their cases. Abbott's return may also prompt further discussion about the criteria for party discipline and the balance between accountability and political inclusion.