Labours Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell has said he wants to restore his partys reputation, after it has become embroiled in an anti-Semitism row. Jeremy Corbyn, the partys leader, has launched an inquiry after remarks made by Labour MP Naz Shah and former London Mayor Ken Livingstone.

McDonnell said, My aim is to completely restore the reputation of the Labour Party, with regards to us as a force that is tackling racism and anti-Semitism in particular. The inquiry itself will allow us to have a thorough inquiry, bring out guidance for all out party members and our candidates, training as well. But in addition to that we will introduce a procedure where well root out any forms of anti-Semitism or any forms of racism.

Mc Donnell added that it has been a dreadful week for the party, but he thinks they will still perform well in the local elections on 5 May. This comes after Livingstone has stood by his comments that German dictator Adolf Hitler was a Zionist.

Livingstone said he was sorry if his remarks caused offence, but maintained he was telling the truth. The veteran politician said to LBC, I really regret saying it because it has caused all this disruption – but I never regret saying something that is true.

The inquiry into racism and anti-Semitism in the Labour Party will be led by the former head of campaign group Liberty, Shami Chakrabarti. It will consult with the British Jewish community and other minority groups.