A regional daily exclusively revealed Labour MP Chris Williamson’s claims that his party has been “too apologetic” over anti-Semitism allegations.

Mr Williamson’s remarks, which have now led to his suspension from the Labour Party, were first reported on Tuesday evening by Yorkshire Post Westminster correspondent Liz Bates.

He was speaking at an event in Sheffield hosted by the campaign group Momentum when he made the comments.

The Post then obtained a video of the speech, with the story first appearing online last night.

Derby North MP Mr Williamson said in the video: “The party that has done more to stand up to racism is now being demonised as a racist, bigoted party.

“I have got to say I think our party’s response has been partly responsible for that because in my opinion… we have backed off too much, we have given too much ground, we have been too apologetic.”

In the past week nine former Labour MPs have quit the party, with several of those who have departed citing the party’s handling of anti-Semitism allegations as one of the reasons for doing so.

Posting on Twitter, Post editor James Mitchinson wrote: “Proud of our Westminster Correspondent [Liz Bates] breaking this story.

“Such abhorrent behaviour must be called out everywhere we find it. I doubt [Labour] will respond or act satisfactorily. This is what The Yorkshire Post is all about.”

James told HTFP: “Clearly this is a fine example of quality journalism; the type which is under threat as per the Cairncross Review.

“When we hired Liz Bates as our Westminster Correspondent we knew we were getting a journalist capable of leading the national agenda, in the public interest and that is what she is doing.”

Mr Williamson said yesterday: “It is precisely because of our party’s historic struggle against racism that we have taken it upon ourselves to strengthen our rules, to improve our disciplinary procedures and to redouble our efforts to take on anti-Semites. We have held ourselves to a higher standard than any other political party when it comes to anti-racism – and rightly so.

“I am therefore sorry for how I chose to express myself on this issue within our party. This is a fight that I want to be an ally in. In future, I will take it upon myself to be more considered in my remarks, and ensure they reflect the Labour Party’s unswerving and unfaltering commitment to anti-racism and the fight against anti-Semitism.”

He has since been suspended from the party.