NEC lifts Andrew Fisher’s suspension from membership over Croydon South Tweet

Andrew Fisher has had his suspension from Labour Party membership lifted by the National Executive Committee following an investigation into his Tweet suggesting people in Croydon South vote Class War. He has however received a warning by the NEC about his conduct.

Jeremy Corbyn’s political adviser was suspended after the Labour candidate in Croydon South, Emily Bell, complained about the Tweet he made in 2014. Fisher had Tweeted: “FFS if you live in Croydon South, vote with dignity, vote @campaignbeard.” @campaignbeard was the Twitter account of the Class War candidate, Jon Bigger.

Following the complaint, Fisher wrote to party’s General Secretary, Iain McNicol, apologising “completely and unreservedly” for his Tweet, which he said he meant as a joke. “I obviously do not and did not support Class War in any way, let alone in an election,” he said. “I was and am committed to the election of a Labour government and a successful and united Labour Party.”

The NEC had appointed a sub-committee to investigate whether Fisher had broken the party’s rule by supporting someone standing against a Labour candidate. It has also subsequently decided to draw up a code of conduct for party members using social media.

Reacting to the news, Caroline Flint MP and Siobhain McDonagh MP said they were disappointed by the decision. “The Chair of this investigation has been subjected to huge pressure, and this has compromised the independence and integrity of Labour’s disciplinary process,” they said.