A Labor MP has suspended the party whip over allegations of sexual harassment.
Geraint Davies, Member of Parliament for Swansea West since 2010, is accused of subjecting five younger female colleagues to unwanted physical and verbal sexual attention.
Labor confirmed Mr Davies had lost the whip pending an internal inquiry after the allegations were published by the website Politico.
The allegations, which Mr Davies denies, include inappropriately touching two female MPs, while a former parliamentary official accused him of repeatedly commenting on her appearance.
A Labor spokesman said: “These are incredibly serious allegations of completely unacceptable behaviour.
“We strongly encourage anyone with a complaint to report to the PvdA investigation.
“Each complainant has access to an independent support service that provides confidential and independent guidance and advice from outside experts throughout the process.”
In a statement to Politico, Mr Davies said: “I do not recognize the alleged allegations and do not know who made them. None of them, as far as I know, have been lodged as a complaint with the Labor Party or parliament.
“If I accidentally offended anyone, of course I’m sorry, because it’s important that we share an environment of mutual and equal respect for everyone.”
This is a breaking news story. More to follow.
