Oxford's Labour politicians have reacted to controversy around Diane Abbott and the claim there has been a "purge" of left wing candidates nationally.

City councillors are weighing in with their thoughts after confusion around whether the long-standing MP of 37 years for Hackney North and Stoke Newington would be permitted to run for the party in the July 4 General Election.

Ms Abbott was suspended from Labour last year after she suggested Jewish, Irish and Travellers experience prejudice, but are not subject to racism "all their lives", sparking a long-running process which saw her sit as an Independent MP.

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Labour said at the time the comments, made in an opinion letter to the Observer, were "deeply offensive and wrong".

But Sir Keir Starmer announced on Friday that Ms Abbott is "free to go forward" as a Labour candidate after days of uncertainty over her political future. 

Councillor Susanna Pressel, of the Osney & St Thomas ward, shared her thoughts after Sir Keir's announcement.

Oxford Mail: Susanna Pressel.Susanna Pressel. (Image: Oxford City Council)

Ms Pressel said: "I’m so glad this matter has been sorted out at last. 

"We all need to get on with the vital task of replacing the disastrous Conservative government with something better.

"I agree with Angela Rayner that Diane Abbott has devoted her life to fighting for human rights and for the Labour Party, and there seems to be no good reason why she should not be able to put herself forward again as a Labour candidate.”

For days, Sir Keir declined to say whether Ms Abbot would be defending her Hackney North and Stoke Newington seat on July 4, as he faced claims of a “purge” of left-wing candidates from the MP.

She had the Labour whip restored this week, but it was briefed out that she might be “barred” from running for the party in the General Election.

Oxford Mail: Diane Abbott.Diane Abbott.

Sir Keir declined to say whether he had spoken to Ms Abbott on Friday, but it is understood he has not.

The suspension of Lloyd Russell-Moyle, who was MP for Brighton Kemptown, and the decision not to endorse candidate Faiza Shaheen in Chingford and Woodford Green have also come in for criticism.

Hinksey Park ward councillor Anna Railton said: "She (Ms Abbott) generally has been a trailblazer for the party.

"She has been a Labour MP since before I was born.

Oxford Mail: Anna Railton.Anna Railton. (Image: Oxford City Council)

"She was the first black female MP and has got way more abuse than probably any other UK politician.

"I genuinely am glad she had the whip restored – it is a shame it took as long as it did."

The comments come as the Labour party in Oxford has had its own share of controversy with the resignation of 10 councillors due to criticism of the party's stance nationally on Gaza.

Other Labour city councillors we approached did not wish to comment.

Anneliese Dodds, incumbent MP for Oxford East, has been contacted for comment.