Labour MP John Woodcock has questioned the "integrity" behind moves to make sexual harassment allegations against him public "at this politically charged time".
The former shadow minister, who is a fierce critic of leader Jeremy Corbyn, yesterday had the party whip suspended by new general secretary Jennie Formby. Woodcock is accused of having sent inappropriate texts and messages to a former female member of staff between 2014 and 2016.
In a statement published last night, the MP for Furness said the complaint had been made against him last November and that he had been advised to "maintain the confidentiality of the case to ensure the fairness of the process".
However "selective details" had appeared in the press at the weekend, prompting his suspension.
Woodcock added: "I do not accept the charges being brought against me, but have been cooperating fully with the process and remain committed to a thorough and fair investigation of the case…
"The decision at this politically charged time to place details of my case in the press and then suspend me places a serious question mark over the integrity of the process, which serves neither those making complaints nor those facing allegations."
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