Labour shadow middle east minister suspended

Labour’s shadow middle east minister has been suspended following a complaint over his behaviour.

The Guardian reported on Friday that Bambos Charalambous, the MP for Enfield Southgate, has been administratively suspended from the Labour party, after a formal complaint was passed on to the party’s independent complaints process.

Jewish News had also learned of the allegation made against the shadow minister, which does not relate to antisemitism.

With an investigation confirmed, Charalambous has stood down from his front bench role on the shadow foreign affairs team, and he has also had the party whip withdrawn.Charalambous confirmed on Friday: “I am aware that there is an allegation that requires investigation by the Labour party. 

“It is right and proper that process is allowed to take place. I will cooperate fully and play my full part. It is not appropriate to say anything further at this time.”

He will now sit as an independent MP while the investigation takes place.

In parliament Charalambous has attempted to tread a careful path in his political role on issues such as Israel and Palestine, and as a firm supporter of a two state solution. His suspension is not linked to this role.

Labour is not commenting on the suspension of the whip or the investigation. 

The party introduced a new independent complaints process to deal with all protected characteristics.