Jewish UK Labour activist backed to replace Livingstone on party committee

Following her nomination to the national committee, the ex-chair of the Zionist Youth council called for strength and unity in the Labour party and urged her fellow members to work change.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Updated: MAY 11, 2016 09:36
A woman holds a Union flag umbrella in front of the Big Ben clock tower (R) and the Houses of Parliament in London (photo credit: REUTERS)
A woman holds a Union flag umbrella in front of the Big Ben clock tower (R) and the Houses of Parliament in London
(photo credit: REUTERS)
The former president of Oxford University's Jewish and Israel society will likely replace ex-London mayor Ken Livingstone on the UK's Labour Party National Committee, The Jewish Chronicle reported Wednesday.
Scottish Jewish Labour activist and ex-chair of the Zionist Youth council, Rhea Wolfson, was recommended to the post after winning the support from left-wing political organization Momentum earlier this week.
The move comes following Livingstone's abrupt suspension from the Labour party earlier this month after he said during a BBC broadcast that Hitler supported Zionism.
Momentum, described as a grassroots movement supportive of current UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, released a statement shortly after announcing their pick for the position.
“Rhea Wolfson is a very impressive young woman, committed to fighting for a more democratic party and a credible democratic socialist agenda."
The statement added: “As a young, Jewish Scot, she will provide important perspectives that will improve the running of the Labour Party.”
Wolfson, a long-time Labour activist who supported Corbyn's bid to lead the party, was also a former member of the New Israel Fund, a liberal Zionist organization that raises funds for social justice issues, The Chronicle added.
Following her nomination to the national committee, Wolfson called for strength and unity in the Labour party and urged her fellow members to work for change.
“Our party needs to be strong and united, with all levels of the party working in a transparent and tolerant manner,"  Wolfson said. " I will work to empower members, local parties, and activists; to fight for a more democratic party that can deliver change - and ultimately, deliver victory.”
The Corbyn-led Labour Party has been embroiled in controversy over the past several months, facing allegations of anti-Semitism within his faction. A number of members and officials have already been suspended since his taking over Labour for offensive comments directed at the Jewish community. 


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