General Election 2017: Diane Abbott confirms she is ‘still standing’ for Parliament despite illness

Diane Abbott MP

Diane Abbott has reassured voters that she is ‘still standing’ in Thursday’s General Election despite her illness.

A statement from Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said Abbott has been replaced as shadow home secretary “for the period of her ill health” by policing minister Lyn Brown.

Touched by all the messages of support. Still standing! Will rejoin the fray soon. Vote Labour!

— Diane Abbott (@HackneyAbbott) June 7, 2017

Abbott is running for Parliament in the Hackney North and Stoke Newington constituency where she has served as an MP since 1987. She tweeted to say she will “rejoin the fray soon”.

The 63-year-old cancelled an interview with BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour on Tuesday, with Labour later confirming she had been taken ill.

Hope you feel better soon. Jx

— Jenny Jones (@GreenJennyJones) June 7, 2017

Brent North MP Barry Gardiner today revealed on Talk Radio that party officials had told him Abbott was recently diagnosed with a “long-term condition”, but this is unconfirmed.

Prime Minister Theresa May was among those to wish her a speedy recovery. The Green Party’s Jenny Jones also tweeted her support.