Steve Bell's reference to painting of Judean princess receiving head of John the Baptist deemed 'highly provocative and open to just the kind of interpretations made'

Referencing a Caravaggio painting of Judean princess Salome receiving head of John the Baptist, drawing criticized as anti-Semitic, and insensitive following beadings in France

Senior party sources warn volatile situation could even lead to split; shadow cabinet rallies around new chief Starmer; unions bemoan alleged injustice

As watchdog finds Labour broke equality law through 'inexcusable' handling of anti-Semitism complaints, top groups say probe 'proves why British Jews were so distressed'

Watchdog finds party broke equality laws with handling of anti-Semitism; ex-leader retorts that problem of Jew-hatred in his tenure ‘dramatically overstated for political reasons’

Jewish community vindicated by watchdog's devastating findings: breaches of law; Jewish members harassed; complaints improperly addressed; political interference by Corbyn’s office

British government watchdog report finds party broke equality law, had 'inadequate processes' for handling complaints about Jew-hatred in party under Corbyn's leadership

Len McCluskey, head of Unite the Union, later apologizes for comments against Peter Mandelson widely seen as anti-Semitic, which reignited criticism of Jew-hatred in Labour

Keir Starmer trying to revive party divided by splits over Brexit and roiled by widespread anti-Semitism; poll puts party level with Conservatives for first time since election

Move comes after opposition party, now under new leadership, admitted to making false allegations about 7 ex-employees trying to tackle anti-Semitism