Gerald Kaufman’s local party suspended over ‘bullying’ and ‘intimidation’
Local members have been accused of misconduct, amid rumours the 86-year old MP is considering standing down at the next election
Manchester Gorton Labour Party has been suspended following allegations relating to the conduct of members, a party spokeswoman said.
It is understood the complaints centre around jostling within the Constituency Labour Party (CLP) ahead of Sir Gerald Kaufman’s seat becoming available if the 86-year-old does not stand at the next election.
No meetings of the CLP or any of its branches will now take place while an inquiry is undertaken.
The Labour spokeswoman said: “Any complaints of bullying or intimidation and allegations of misconduct are always taken very seriously by the Labour Party.”
The Manchester Evening News reported that a letter sent from Labour’s head office states that the allegations relate to the conduct of members “both during and outside of Labour party meetings” as well as the “conduct of members of the CLP executive committee in administering internal ballots”.
The letter also states that “it is their understanding that conversations have taken place between the CLP and Greater Manchester Police” over safety fears.
But a force spokesman said they were yet to receive any complaints and are not aware of reports that discussions between GMP and the CLP have taken place.
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