Senior Labour MP Karl Turner denies sexual harassment claims
1 min read
Labour MP Karl Turner has rejected claims that he “slapped” a female party member’s bottom and made misogynistic remarks about her.
The Financial Times today reported claims that the Hull East MP touched the woman inappropriately in his constituency office in 2015.
A witness also told the newspaper that he had commented on her appearance following a double mastectomy, saying she "shouldn’t have got rid of her real tits because they were great".
But the shadow transport minister has strongly denied the claims.
In a statement he said: "I am aware of reports in the media about my alleged inappropriate behaviour. I strongly reject any suggestion that I behaved inappropriately or in a misogynistic manner."
According to the newspaper the allegations were relayed to the Labour party but no action was taken as the complaint was not from the woman herself.
A Labour spokesman said: “The party takes all complaints of sexual harassment, abuse and discrimination extremely seriously.
“We ask that anyone with a complaint comes forward so that allegations can be fully investigated, and any appropriate disciplinary action taken in line with the Party’s rule book and procedures."
Two other witnesses claimed they heard Mr Turner make the offensive comment, adding that he often remarked on the woman’s "nice arse".
However, another person present at the time said he had not seen Mr Turner touch the woman inappropriately.
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