Labour Turmoil: Darren Rodwell Withdraws from Barking Race Amid Allegations, as NEC Scrambles to Finalize Candidate List

Labour candidate Darren Rodwell has exited the electoral contest, stating that the accusations against him are diverting attention from the campaign. Although he strongly denies the allegations, Rodwell expressed his desire to prevent these issues from overshadowing the general election campaign.

Political journalist @Journoamrogers

Tuesday, June 4, 2024, 21:

A local council head has pulled out of the race to become a Labour Party Member of Parliament following accusations of sexual harassment, which he has refuted.

Darren Rodwell stated that although he "totally denies" the allegations made against him, he "does not wish for this matter to divert attention" during the general election campaign.

Mr. Rodwell, head of the Barking and Dagenham Council, was chosen as the parliamentary candidate for the Barking constituency in East London.

This morning, Sky News reported that, after a critical session of the party's governing committee, he was anticipated to be removed as a candidate.

In a message shared on X, Mr. Rodwell expressed: "I have made the extremely tough choice to retract my candidacy.

"I categorically deny the claims made by the media. I do not wish for this matter to divert attention from the campaign.

Labour has confirmed that there are currently no ongoing investigations regarding complaints against me.

"However, I feel that stepping down is currently the best option for my family, as they must be my top priority."

"This location is incredibly important to me, and I am committed to advocating for this district and the community I cherish, while guiding the council."

Labour has verified that there are currently no ongoing inquiries concerning Mr. Rodwell. The party will now select a new candidate following the established selection process.

Mr. Rodwell responded to the accusations against him on Monday, stating in a message on X that he completely denies the claims made about him.

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He stated, "I have not participated in any form of sexual harassment. I did not engage in 'inappropriate touching' with a participant at last month's event."

"I don't remember having a coffee meeting to talk about development in Barking, and there's nothing in my diary that shows such a meeting took place."

Similarly, I don't remember inquiring about personal matters.

He added, "I'm unsure which beverages I requested, but just to clarify, I don't consume alcoholic drinks.

"I cannot imagine that I would have inappropriately touched someone's hands, legs, and body."

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"I believe there are efforts being made to block my selection as the Labour parliamentary candidate for Barking."

"I am fully ready to deal with this complaint and am currently seeking legal advice. I request that this matter be expedited so that my candidacy may continue without delay."

It was anticipated that Mr. Rodwell would not receive the backing of the Labour Party's National Executive Committee (NEC) after the accusations surfaced.

A communication from the general secretary’s office, which Sky News has obtained, indicates that Labour will not be suggesting candidates for NEC endorsement in Gosport or Barking due to incomplete processes that are still ongoing.

Edward Batterbury, the nominee for Gosport, has been reached out to for a statement.

The National Executive Committee (NEC) serves as the central governing body for the Labour Party, composed of members from various sectors of the party such as the shadow cabinet, Members of Parliament, and trade unions.

This afternoon, the committee gathered to finalize the selection of Labour's candidates for the upcoming general election. Among those confirmed was Diane Abbott, who will represent the party in Hackney North and Stoke Newington.

The issue centers on Ms. Abbott, who initially thought she was prohibited from representing Labour after her suspension last year. She was suspended for stating that Jewish, Irish, and Traveller communities face prejudice instead of racism.

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Following her remarks, Ms. Abbott quickly apologized. However, she was removed from the Labour Party whip, which resulted in her serving as an independent MP in the Commons.

As the cutoff nears for Labour to confirm its candidates, there is increasing speculation about Ms Abbott's career prospects and her eligibility to represent the party in Hackney North.

The Times recently reported that she had her party membership reinstated last week, but she would be prohibited from contesting the parliamentary seat she has occupied for almost four decades.

The decision was met with criticism, particularly regarding how it was communicated to the press. Angela Rayner expressed to Sky News that she could not identify "any reason" preventing Ms. Abbott from representing the party on July 4th.

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Sir Keir subsequently announced that Ms. Abbott is indeed "free" to pursue a candidacy within the party, while he commended her as a "pioneer" and the first black female MP in the UK.

Ms. Abbott has expressed strong disapproval of how her situation was managed, and she joined several others in criticizing the Labour leader for what they described as a purge of left-leaning former members of parliament and candidates. This group includes Faiza Shaheen, who was disqualified from running in Chingford and Woodford Green, and Lloyd Russell-Moyle, a past MP for Brighton Kemptown, who was suspended following a grave allegation against him.

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In an online post, Mr. Russell-Moyle stated his belief that the "false allegation" was a "malicious and politically driven claim" regarding his conduct eight years prior, which was "intended to interfere with the election".

On Tuesday morning, Ms. Shaheen announced her resignation from the Labour Party, stating that her ousting indicates that the wishes of local members and her community are disregarded by the party's leadership.

Sir Keir has refuted claims of sidelining left-wing members, stating his aim is merely to ensure that only the most qualified candidates stand in the election.

The individuals running for election in Gosport include: Labour – To be confirmed, Conservatives – Caroline Dinenage, Reform UK – Matt Mulliss, and Green Party – Tony Sudworth.

The individuals running for election in Barking include:

– Green Party: Simon Ronald Anthony

– Liberal Democrats: Charley Hasted

– Reform UK: Clive Peacock

– Conservative Party: Julie Redmond

– Workers Party of Britain: Hamid Shah

– Labour Party: To be confirmed

The final date and time to register as a candidate for the upcoming general election is Friday at 4pm, according to the Electoral Commission.

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