Labour MP Rupa Huq cleared over antisemitism allegations in party probe
The MP had denied accusations of Jew-hate in June after two ex-staffers lodged formal complaints
A Labour MP accused of antisemitic behaviour has been cleared of wrongdoing by the party following complaints by former staff.
Labour launched an investigation into the allegations after two ex staffers lodged formal complaints against Rupa Huq, attracting media coverage in June.
A panel, advised by an independent barrister, found allegations were “unproven”, concluding on September 2 with no further action.
The MP for Ealing Central and Acton told Ealing Today: “I’m naturally pleased that the panel, which is advised by an independent barrister, reached this decision.
“The rise in antisemitism both across the world and in UK society is deeply troubling and I am absolutely committed to standing with our Jewish brothers and sisters and working to tackle this prejudice within our Party and wider society.
“I will also continue to focus on representing everyone in Ealing and Acton as well as my bit of Chiswick as their MP since 2015.”
Huq had denied the allegations in June, which her spokesperson described at the time as being “entirely false and malicious.”
According to The Times, one complainant had alleged the MP taunted him over a star of David badge pinned to his satchel, while another had accused Huq of making a former member of staff “listen to her conspiracy theories surrounding the Jewish community.”
One of the complaints alleged Hug removed a “No tolerance for antisemitism” poster from her office wall when the first complainant was off-sick, stating: “We obviously don’t need this anymore.”
According to the report, an email was allegedly sent from Huq’s parliamentary account to an employee about a Jewish student applying for a role. “Will have to say no but don’t want him to claim antisemitism,” the email reportedly read.
One of the complainants had also accused Huq of devising “a separate line of questioning based on Judaism and loyalty to Israel” when interviewing another Jewish candidate last September.
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