Greater Manchester MP is sacked from frontbench following bullying claims
Greater Manchester MP Debbie Abrahams has been sacked from Labour’s frontbench amid claims of bullying in the workplace.
The Oldham East and Saddleworth MP was the shadow work and pensions secretary.
The former public health consultant has been removed from the frontbench and her case has been referred to the disputes panel of the Labour Party’s National Executive Committee.
Ms Abrahams had been suspended earlier this year pending the outcome of an internal inquiry.
And Labour has said that following a thorough investigation she was being removed from the frontbench.
The MP has been campaigning in recent weeks on behalf of the 2,000 Shop Direct workers who are faced with redundancy.
But the MP has claimed that the investigation was “neither thorough, fair, nor independent”.
The 57-year-old has issued a statement in which she strongly refutes any claims of bullying.
She said: “I strongly refute the allegations of bullying made against me. I believe the investigation was not thorough, fair or independent. I will continue to represent the people of Oldham East and Saddleworth, and to hold this Government to account, from the back benches.”
A Labour spokesman said: “After a thorough party investigation into allegations of workplace bullying, Debbie Abrahams has been referred to the NEC disputes committee. She has been relieved of her post as shadow work and pensions secretary.”
Margaret Greenwood, who took over temporarily from Ms Abrahams in March, will continue in the role.
Labour backbencher John Woodcock was suspended from the party last week over alleged sexual harassment claims, which he has denied.
The Barrow MP who is a fierce critic of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, has also questioned the “integrity of the process” that led to the accusations against him being made public.
