Diane Abbott is "free" to stand for Labour at the general election, Sir Keir Starmer said after growing tensions in the party over her political future.
The Labour leader told reporters on Friday: "The whip has obviously been restored to her now and she is free to go forward as a Labour candidate."
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He went onto praise the veteran MP as a "trailblazer", saying: "Diane Abbott was elected in 1987, the first black woman MP.
"She has carved a path for other people to come into politics and public life."
Ms Abbott's future appeared in doubt following reports she could be barred from standing in her seat in Hackney North, which she has held consistently for nearly 40 years.
While senior figures such as deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner had said there was "no reason" she couldn't put herself forward as a Labour candidate, Sir Keir has been more reserved - saying "no decision" had been taken over her future.
The row has overshadowed Labour's early general election campaign, with Sir Keir accused of a "purge" of left-wing candidates amid other selection disputes.
Ms Abbott has not yet responded to the news, but earlier this week said she was determined to stand "by any means necessary".
Ms Abbott was suspended from Labour last year after she suggested Jewish, Irish and Traveller people experience prejudice, but not racism, sparking a long-running process which saw her sit as an Independent MP.
After finally having the whip restored this week, some papers were briefed that she had been barred from standing for Labour again in her north London constituency.
Confusion ensued as Ms Abbott said she believed those reports to be true, but other Labour figures said this was not the case.
Sir Keir repeatedly refused to say whether Ms Abbot would be allowed to defend her seat, telling reporters just a few hours ago that no decision had yet been taken.
He has come under increasing pressure over the way she has been treated, with leading black figures - including actors Lenny Henry and David Harewood - writing an open letter on Friday calling the situation "disproportionate, undemocratic and vindictive".
The row has been used by the Tories to attack Sir Keir and his principles, with many defending Ms Abbott's record as a trailblazer.
Ms Abbott, a stalwart of the Labour left, has many allies within the party too.
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