Leftist clique has taken over Labour, says Tony Robinson

LABOUR has been “completely taken over by a Leftist clique”, one of the party’s most famous supporters has said, after the woman in charge of handling complaints was ousted and replaced by a controversial Jeremy Corbyn loyalist.

Ann Black, the long-standing chairman of the disputes sub-committee of Labour’s ruling National Executive Committee (NEC), was replaced by Christine Shawcroft, a director of the Corbyn-backing Momentum. It came a day after three Momentum supporters, including Jon Lansman, the group’s founder, won places on the NEC.

Sir Tony Robinson, the Blackadder actor, praised Ms Black, 66, who was awarded an OBE for political service in 2013. Before the result was announced, he tweeted: “Ann Black’s brilliant – a radical voice for ordinary members on the NEC with an awesome work rate.

“The idea of the Corbynite Left trying to undermine her is outrageous. If true it would confirm what I’ve always feared – our party completely taken over by and for a Leftist clique.”