Abbott confirms she will run as Labour candidate in general election

Diane Abbott has said she "intends to run and win" as Labour's candidate in Hackney North and Stoke Newington following speculation she may choose to stand down.

Ms Abbott, who was this week told she would be allowed to stand for Labour after months of uncertainty, also denied she had been offered a seat in the House of Lords in the event she chose to retire.

In a post on social media, Ms Abbott said: "I have never been offered a seat in the Lords, and would not accept one if offered.

"I am the adopted Labour candidate for Hackney North and Stoke Newington. I intend to run and to win as Labour's candidate."

There have been questions over Ms Abbott's future in the Labour Party ever since was suspended for the party last year for suggesting that Jewish, Irish and Traveller people experience prejudice, but not racism.

The comments, which she has apologised for, sparked a long-running process which saw her sit as an Independent MP.

Ms Abbott finally had the party whip restored earlier this week, paving the way for her to stand for Labour at the election.

However, her future appeared in doubt as some papers were briefed that she had been barred from standing for the party again in Hackney North and Stoke Newington, the seat she has consistently held for nearly 40 years.