Diane Abbott Reveals Unconventional Date with Jeremy Corbyn to Marx's Grave
Former Labour MP Diane Abbott discloses a surprising outing with Jeremy Corbyn to Karl Marx's tomb, highlighting their brief 1970s relationship and contrasting lifestyles in her upcoming memoir.
Diane Abbott, former Labour MP, has shared an intriguing anecdote from her brief romantic involvement with Jeremy Corbyn in the late 1970s. The revelation comes as part of her forthcoming memoir, shedding light on their contrasting lifestyles and interests.
Abbott recounts an unexpected outing that epitomized their relationship's challenges. Anticipating a conventional date, she was surprised when Corbyn drove them to Highgate Cemetery to view Karl Marx's tomb. This unconventional choice reflected Corbyn's deep political engagement, which Abbott found at odds with her own interests in theatre and literature.
"Once, after I lamented our lack of social activity as a couple, he pondered it for a few days and told me we were going out."
The pair's divergent backgrounds became apparent during a Christmas celebration with Corbyn's family. Abbott described it as an exercise in "socialist frugality," contrasting sharply with her Jamaican heritage's more festive traditions. This experience, along with Corbyn's intense focus on party politics, led Abbott to conclude they were not ideally matched.
Their relationship gradually dissolved following the cemetery visit. Despite their personal differences, both went on to have significant political careers. Abbott made history in 1987 as the first black woman elected to the British Parliament, representing Hackney North and Stoke Newington, a constituency she continues to serve.
Recent years have brought challenges for Abbott. In 2023, she faced suspension from the Labour Party over controversial comments about racism and prejudice. However, she was re-elected to her seat in July 2024, following a period of uncertainty about her candidacy under Sir Keir Starmer's leadership.
Abbott's memoir, "A Woman Like Me," is set for release on September 19, 2024, by Viking, an imprint of Penguin Random House. The book promises to offer further insights into her personal life and political journey, contributing to the rich tradition of political autobiographies that provide unique perspectives on British political history.
