Debbie Abrahams sacked from Labour frontbench over workplace bullying claims
2 min read
A Labour frontbencher has been sacked over allegations of workplace bullying.
Debbie Abrahams "stood aside" as Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary in March while the claims were investigated by party bosses.
At the time, the MP - who denies the accusations - launched an extraordinary attack on Jeremy Corbyn's office, claiming that "certain individuals" had been "aggressive, intimidating and wholly unprofessional" towards her over the past year.
In a statement this evening, a Labour spokesman said: "After a thorough party investigation into allegations of workplace bullying, Debbie Abrahams has been referred to the NEC (national executive committee) disputes committee. She has been relieved of her post as Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary."
It is understood that several complainants have come forward to make allegations against Ms Abrahams, and that the initial party probe upheld their claims.
Ms Abrahams was replaced in her frontbench role by Margaret Greenwood, who will now continue in the post.
At the time of the initial complaints, Ms Abrahams told the Daily Mirror: "I refute the allegations that have been made against me in the strongest possible terms. I will fight this spurious claim and do not rule out taking legal action.
"I have had no details about the complaint, who it is from, the process or timescales. I have not agreed to stand aside.
"My treatment by certain individuals in the Leader's office over the last 10 months has been aggressive, intimidating and wholly unprofessional.
"My treatment in the last week has shown a bullying culture of the worst kind. As such I am making a formal complaint to both the Labour party and parliamentary authorities."
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