A long-serving MP has had the Labour whip suspended after allegations of sexual harassment surfaced from five women stretching back over several years.
Geraint Davies, who represents Swansea West in the House of Commons, is facing an investigation after the claims made by anonymous alleged victims to the Politico website.
No formal complaints have been made about Davies, due to those who were allegedly targeted being said to have a lack of confidence that they would be taken seriously.
Labour described the claims of “completely unacceptable behaviour” as “incredibly serious” and said it strongly encouraged anyone who wanted to make a formal complaint to come forward.
“Any complainant will have access to an independent support service who provide confidential and independent guidance and advice from external experts throughout the process,” a spokesperson for the party added.
Davies has been contacted for comment but is quoted by Politico as saying: “I don’t recognise the allegations suggested and do not know who has made them.
“None of them, as far as I know, has been lodged as complaints with the Labour party or parliament. If I have inadvertently caused offence to anyone, then I am naturally sorry as it is important that we share an environment of mutual and equal respect for all.”
Davies has been an MP for decades, first in Croydon Central from 1997 to 2005, until he lost his seat, and then again in Swansea West since 2010.