Labour MP Karl Turner denies misogyny after allegedly 'slapping woman's buttocks'
The shadow transport minister denies he "behaved inappropriately or in a misogynistic manner" after claims against him.
Monday 12 March 2018 16:50, UK
A Labour shadow minister has denied behaving inappropriately or acting in a misogynistic manner after he was alleged to have slapped a woman's buttocks.
Shadow transport minister Karl Turner is also reported to have made comments about the woman's breasts, after she had a double mastectomy.
A witness told the Financial Times of the shock of those present after the East Hull MP allegedly slapped a female party member's backside when she walked through Mr Turner's constituency office in 2015.
When the MP was challenged, the witness told the newspaper Mr Turner replied with something similar to: "I couldn't help myself."
It was reported two witnesses also said they heard Mr Turner tell the woman, who had recovered from breast cancer, she "shouldn't have got rid of her real t*** because they were great", before adding: "The ones you've got now are nice enough."
The MP, a former barrister, is alleged to have first made such comments in 2014 and repeated them on other occasions.
Mr Turner denies the allegations.
"I am aware of reports in the media about my alleged inappropriate behaviour," he said in a statement.
"I strongly reject any suggestion that I behaved inappropriately or in a misogynistic manner."
Sky News understands the Labour Party has not received an official complaint about the allegations.
A Labour spokesman said: "The party takes all complaints of sexual harassment, abuse and discrimination extremely seriously.
"We ask that anyone with a complaint comes forward so that allegations can be fully investigated, and any appropriate disciplinary action taken in line with the party's rule book and procedures."
It comes after House of Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom last month announced plans for a new behavioural code for all MPs, peers and staff, which will underpin a new independent complaints and grievance procedure separate from the political parties.
The recommendations of a cross-party group came in response to a recent scandal, which saw a series of allegations of sexual harassment and bullying made against politicians and staff from across political parties.