Labour MP suspended from party after harassment charge, Sky News understands
Aubrey Allegretti, political reporter 4 hrs ago
Trump 2016 campaign ‘targeted 3.5m black Americans to deter them…
Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton make surprising revelation about time in…

Labour MP Claudia Webbe has been suspended from the party after being charged with harassment against a woman, Sky News understands.

Claudia Webbe wearing a hat and smiling at the camera: Claudia Webbe was elected MP for Leicester East in December 2019© Rex Features Claudia Webbe was elected MP for Leicester East in December 2019
It is understood that Ms Webbe, who was first elected to parliament in December 2019, has had the party whip removed pending the outcome of the case.

In a statement, the Crown Prosecution Service said it made the decision to charge the Leicester East MP after receiving a file of evidence from the Metropolitan Police.

It added: “Criminal proceedings against Ms Webbe are now active and she has the right to a fair trial.

“It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

Ms Webbe, 55, will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 11 November.

She is accused of carrying out the harassment between 1 September 2018 and 26 April this year.

Ms Webbe said in response: “I am innocent of any wrongdoing and look forward to proving this in court.

“I will be vigorously defending myself against these claims.”

A Labour Party spokesperson said: “It would not be appropriate to comment on an ongoing case.”