LABOUR members in Battersea have expressed solidarity with former party leader Jeremy Corbyn following his suspension for saying claims of anti-semitism in Labour had been exaggerated by his political opponents.

The constituency Labour Party (CLP) motion, carried on Tuesday night by 49 votes to 26, read: “Jeremy is and has been a lifelong campaigner for social justice and equality and against racism in all its forms, including anti-semitism.

“He has formed strong relations with diverse ethnic and religious groups in Islington, nationally and internationally over the years. He has also opposed unjust wars around the world.

“As leader, Jeremy attracted hundreds of thousands of members and revitalised Labour into the largest party in western Europe. 

“He inspired a new generation to engage with politics.”

The motion said that the south London CLP continued to support the policies of the 2017 and 2019 general election manifestos, adding that “unity, not division, is critical in order for the party to keep its large campaigning membership and win the next election.”

Battersea CLP will write to Labour’s leadership and national executive to express its support for Mr Corbyn.