By James King-
Ken Livingstone has resigned from the Labour Party over the allegations against him of anti-Semitism.
In a statement, the former London mayor maintained his stance in rejecting claims that he had been in any way guilty of anti-Semitism or had brought the party into disrepute.
He acknowledged some of his comments had caused offence within the Jewish community for which he said he was “truly sorry”.
Mr Livingstone’s suspension in 2016 was sparked by claims he made in a radio interview that Hitler had supported Zionism in the 1930s. His comments went down badly in the Jewish community
A protest in March outside Parliament by members of the Jewish community called for resignation,
but the former Mayor insisted he would resist any move to oust him, suggesting he would be prepared to take the case to courts if necessary. A labour disciplinary action was due to commence this week, but Livingstone decided to leave before then after being tipped off about the scheduled plan.
In his statement, Livingstone said: ”The ongoing issues around my suspension from the Labour Party have become a distraction from the key political issue of our time – which is to replace a Tory government overseeing falling living standards and spiralling poverty, while starving our schools and the NHS of the vital resources they need.”
“I do not accept the allegation that I have brought the Labour Party into disrepute, nor that I am in any way guilty of anti-Semitism.
“I abhor anti-Semitism, I have fought it all my life and will continue to do so.
“I also recognise that the way I made a historical argument has caused offence and upset in the Jewish community. I am truly sorry for that.
“I am loyal to the Labour party and to Jeremy Corbyn.
“However any further disciplinary action against me may drag on for months or even years, distracting attention from Jeremy’s policies.
“I am therefore, with great sadness, leaving the Labour Party.”
In response, Mr Corbyn said: “Ken Livingstone’s resignation is sad after such a long and vital contribution to London and progressive politics, but was the right thing to do.”
Ms Smeeth, however said that the party should have acted years ago to remove him following a series of alleged anti-Semitic incidents.
“Ken Livingstone’s behaviour has been grossly offensive to British Jews,” she said.
“His departure is welcome but the fact that he refuses to accept responsibility for his actions is a disgrace.
“The truth is that Ken’s despicable and hurtful attitude should have seen him expelled years ago and the fact that it has taken this long to see him go beggars belief”.
Conservative Party deputy chairman James Cleverly said: “If Jeremy Corbyn and the Labour Party were serious about tackling anti-Semitic racism within the party they would have kicked out Livingstone two years ago.
“All Jeremy Corbyn could muster was that it was sad that Ken had chosen to go.”
Comments that can seen to be anti-semetic in nature are not acceptable,