McDonald has Labour whip restored after speech row

Andy McDonald has had the Labour whip restored after an internal investigation into remarks he made at a pro-Palestine rally found he had not breached party rules.

- NINA LLOYD

The MP for Middlesbrough was suspended from the party in October after using the phrase "between the river and the sea"

in a speech during a demonstration.

A Labour spokesperson said: “The investigation concluded that he had not engaged in conduct that was against the party’s rulebook but reminded him of the importance of elected representatives being mindful, not only of what they say in public, but how their words may be interpreted, especially in reference to controversial or emotive issues.

“The chief whip met with Andy following the outcome of the investigation and received assurances that he understands the need to be mindful and about his future conduct.”