EXCL Labour MP Mike Hill has whip restored after sexual harassment probe dropped
2 min read
A Labour MP has had the party whip restored after a sexual harassment complaint against him was dropped, PoliticsHome has learned.
Hartlepool MP Mike Hill had his party membership suspended and the whip withdrawn last month as Labour carried out a probe into claims he harassed a parliamentary staffer.
The Sunday Times reported that he was accused of making unwanted advances to the woman, who is said to have worked in the Commons until this year.
But it is understood that the woman has now asked Labour not to investigate the complaint, meaning Mr Hill is no longer suspended by the party.
Under the party's rules, Labour cannot investigate an allegation against a complainant's wishes, and cannot suspend an individual if no probe is ongoing.
Commons records show that the MP had the whip restored on 17 October.
In a statement, Mr Hill told PoliticsHome: "It's been a tough time for my family and for my staff but I would like to thank the people of Hartlepool and the Labour Party for all the support they've given to me."
A Labour spokesperson said at the time of Mr Hill's suspension: "The Labour Party takes all complaints of sexual harassment extremely seriously, which are fully investigated and any appropriate disciplinary action taken in line with the Party’s rules and procedures.
“We are determined to challenge and overturn sexual harassment and misogyny within politics and across society as a whole. We cannot comment on individual complaints."
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