LABOUR MP Geraint Davies has been accused of inappropriate sexual behaviour towards multiple women and lost the party whip as a result.
The MP for Swansea West is facing allegations from five women – one of whom is also an MP and another who was just 19 at the time – of having subjected them to unwanted sexual attention, both verbal and physical, according to a report in Politico.
Davies, who was first elected in 1997 to represent Croydon Central, said he did no recognise the allegations and that if he had “inadvertently caused offence to anyone, then I am naturally sorry”.
But Politico reported that more than 20 people who had worked with Davies at Westminster described a pattern of drinking, sexual comments, and inappropriate touching by Davies aimed at younger women.
Women claimed there had been instances of propositioning on the parliamentary estate, inappropriate touching, and sexually suggestive messages including ones that alluded to masturbating at Westminster.
It said that the allegations were an “open secret” in the Labour Party, but no formal complaints had been made.
However, Labour whips are said to have been made aware of concerns around Davies years ago. Politico reported that it had sight of messages from an MP who he is alleged to have touched inappropriately to the party’s whips.
Another Labour MP, who reportedly has not alleged to have been inappropriately propositioned by Davies, said: “He genuinely makes me feel uncomfortable. He gets in your personal space – it’s distasteful. You can see that other women feel uncomfortable around him.”
Davies said: “I don’t recognize 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.”
Initially, a Labour Party spokesperson said: “The Labour Party treats complaints of sexual harassment and abuse with the utmost seriousness and takes action in response to every complaint.
“We would strongly urge anyone with a complaint to come forward so that allegations can be swiftly and fully investigated and action taken. The party has ensured that there is a wide range of support available to complainants, to provide confidence and confidential guidance.”
But on Thursday, after the news broke, they said Davies had been suspended from the party.
“These are incredibly serious allegations of completely unacceptable behaviour. We strongly encourage anyone with a complaint to come forward to the Labour party’s investigation,” the Labour Party said.
The news comes after separate reports that Keir Starmer's Labour Party would allow a senior staffer twice found guilty of sexual harassment to keep his job.
