Clive Lewis MP cleared of sexual harassment by Labour Party investigation
The former frontbencher said it was right for the party to take sexual harassment allegations seriously and he was pleased to put the inquiry behind him
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Your support makes all the difference.Labour MP Clive Lewis has been cleared of allegations that he groped a woman at the party’s annual conference.
An internal probe dismissed claims from a female activist that the former Labour frontbencher had touched her inappropriately at a Momentum fringe event during the conference in Brighton in September.
Mr Lewis, who has previously been touted as a potential Labour leader, said he was “very pleased to be able to put this behind me and move on”.
The allegations, which were first revealed in The Independent, emerged amid a swirl of claims of sexual harassment and abuse in Westminster that resulted in the resignation of Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon over inappropriate behaviour.
In her complaint, the 39-year-old Labour activist said she met Mr Lewis at the Momentum event, where he hugged her then gave her backside “a big squeeze”. He has always denied the claims.
Labour announced a formal investigation into the allegations but did not suspend the whip from Mr Lewis, meaning he was able to remain a Labour MP.
The Norwich South MP said in a statement: “I am very pleased to be able to put this behind me and move on.
“I believe it is right and proper the Labour Party treats all allegations of bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct seriously.
“I want to express my gratitude to my wife, friends and constituents who have supported me in recent weeks.
“I look forward very much to continuing my work in Parliament, fighting for the people I represent and the city I love.”
A Labour Party spokesperson said: “After consideration of statements provided by the complainant and the respondent, the NEC’s sexual harassment panel has ruled that on the balance of the evidence the matter should not be referred to a full hearing of the National Constitutional Committee.
“The Labour Party will not be commenting further on this case.”
Several MPs are still facing investigations over sexual harassment and personal misconduct claims made in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal in Hollywood.
Theresa May’s de facto deputy Damian Green has been the subject of a Cabinet Office investigation for making unwanted advance on a young female activist and for accessing pornography on his Commons computer – allegations he denies.
Labour has suspended Luton North MP Kelvin Hopkins while it looks into disputed claims of inappropriate behaviour towards a young activist. And Ivan Lewis, MP for Bury South, is also under investigation.
Tory Charlie Elphicke has been suspended by his party and referred to the police over “serious” allegations. He denies any wrongdoing.
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