Labour expels just eight members for anti-Semitism this year despite 625 complaints

LABOUR has expelled just eight party members for anti-Semitism this year despite complaints against 625.

Jeremy Corbyn revealed the figure as he unveiled plans for an under-fire ally to head a new panel to tackle the worst Jew-baiting.

He wants to put in charge party general secretary ­Jennie Formby — who last week came under fire for trying to choose who sat on another disputes panel.

Mr Corbyn told an emergency meeting of the shadow cabinet the move would see racists ousted.

He said: “It’s wrong to deny there is anti-Semitism in the Labour Party. Those who deny it exists are part of the problem.”

But Labour MPs and Jewish groups condemned the proposal.

Margaret Hodge, who lost family in the Holocaust, claimed Mr Corbyn, his office and Ms Formby “have corrupted the complaints process by their political interference”.

Ruth Smeeth, who is Jewish, stormed: “I’m not sure anyone could suggest we’re taking this seriously.

“It’s time for a truly independent process with no political interference.”

A Jewish Labour Movement source said the ­disciplinary panel would be “nodding heads”.

Labour’s cabinet backed the plan but a party spokesman refused to say if the decision was unanimous. Its National Executive Committee will rule on the proposal today.

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