Joani Reid has Labour whip restored

Joani Reid has had the Labour whip restored following an investigation linked to her husband's arrest.

The MP for East Kilbride and Strathaven voluntarily stepped back from the party over the arrest of her husband David Taylor on suspicion of spying for China.  

She was readmitted into the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) on Thursday.

In a statement, Reid said: “With my membership of the Parliamentary Labour Party restored, I am excited to play a full part in supporting our new prime minister, Andy Burnham, his government, and in renewing Scottish Labour.

“I have never been part of a police investigation, as a suspect or as a witness, and I am pleased that this has now been recognised.

“The support I have received from colleagues across the political spectrum, my constituents and my local Labour Party has been steadfast.

“I am also deeply grateful to everyone who has stood by me when it was politically easier to distance themselves. You know who you are — thank you.”

In March, Reid’s husband David Taylor, who is a businessman, was arrested along with two other men, Matthew Aplin and Steve Jones, on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service.  

They were released on bail, which was later extended until August. Taylor denies the allegations.

Reid “voluntarily” relinquished the whip, saying at the time “this week has been the worst of my life” and that she didn’t want the situation to be “a distraction” for the government.

She has always said she was not part of Taylor’s business dealings and had never seen anything to suggest he had broken the law.  

Diane Abbott has also been readmitted to the PLP, after she was suspended in July for doubling down on antisemitic comments.  

A Labour Party spokesperson said: “The Labour Party expects the highest standards from our elected representatives and party members. The party assesses any alleged breaches of such standards independently of the leadership and political interference.

“Following a process conducted under Labour Party rules and approved by the independent review board, Diane Abbott and Joani Reid have been readmitted to the Labour Party and have had the Labour whip restored in the House of Commons.

“Diane Abbott has also apologised following the independent process coming to an end. All Labour elected representatives must be mindful at all times of their platform and the responsibilities that come with that privilege.”