Jeremy Corbyn praises 'brave' Labour activist who made rape cover-up claim
2 min read
Jeremy Corbyn has praised the “enormous bravery” of a Labour activist who claimed a party official told her to keep quiet about a rape allegation she made.
The Labour leader said an investigation would be launched and said there would be “no tolerance” in the party for sexism, harassment or abuse.
It comes as Mr Corbyn was warned by one of his own MPs not to become part of a “cover up” of bad behaviour in the party.
Westminster has been engulfed in a sexual harassment scandal in the past few days – with numerous MPs and ministers sucked into the furore.
Bex Bailey, a former member of the party's ruling National Executive Committee, told the BBC she was attacked by a senior Labour figure at an event in 2011 when she was 19 years old.
Ms Bailey said it took her two years to "summon up the courage" to tell someone in the party about her ordeal – but when she did it was suggested she say nothing.
Mr Corbyn took to Facebook last night to offer a message of support to Ms Bailey and vow to root out abuse.
“Speaking out about rape and sexual harassment takes enormous courage,” he declared.
“Bex Bailey has shown incredible bravery by talking publicly about what has happened to her and has my full support and solidarity.
“I have asked Labour’s general secretary, Iain McNicol, to launch an independent investigation into the allegations that she wasn’t given the support from the party she should have received and had the right to expect.”
He added: “There will be no tolerance in the Labour Party for sexism, harassment or abuse. Whatever it takes, we are absolutely committed to rooting it out.”
It comes as outspoken Labour MP John Mann said he knew of four cases of bad behaviour in the party and warned Mr Corbyn not to risk being subject to claims of a “cover up”.
“There are allegations made to the Labour Party which are under investigation. That’s a fact,” he told the Sun last night.
“Jeremy needs to take swift action otherwise he will end up being part of the cover up.”
Shadow Foreign Secretary Emily Thornberry said Ms Bailey's claim was "absolutely" awful and left her feeling "truly ashamed".
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