Labour activist hits out after MP accused of harassment given right to question her

Ava Etemadzadeh condemned Jeremy Corbyn personally over the way Labour has handled her allegations against Luton North MP Kelvin Hopkins.

She first complained two years ago that he rubbed himself against her at a political event and sent her suggestive text messages - accusations Mr Hopkins denies.

The MP was reprimanded by Labour's whips office in 2016, but later that year was appointed Shadow Culture Secretary by Mr Corbyn.

A formal Labour party investigation was launched into the claims last year and Mr Hopkins was suspended by the party.

The inquiry was then widened after Labour MP Kerry McCarthy accused Mr Hopkins of behaving inappropriately towards her over a period of 20 years. He also denies those allegations.

It has now emerged that Ms Etemadzadeh was informed by a Labour official that the 76-year-old MP will be able to put questions to her at his disciplinary hearing.

A Labour party spokesperson insisted "the process does not allow respondents to respond directly to complainants".

Instead, it is understood that Mr Hopkins' questions will be written down and put to his accusers by a third party during the hearing.

However, emails produced by Ms Etemadzadeh suggested the original plan was for Mr Hopkins to put his questions to his alleged victims via an audio-link.

Labour MP Jess Phillips said she would quit the party if Ms Etemadzadeh's claims were true.

The Labour spokesperson added: "The Labour party takes all complaints of harassment extremely seriously, which are fully investigated in line with due process and natural justice as part of our disciplinary procedure."

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