Labour inquiry branded a ‘disgrace’

Labour’s investigation into a prominent internal critic of Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership has been branded “a farce and a disgrace” by the MP’S lawyers.

Solicitors acting for Ian Austin wrote to party general secretary Jennie Formby to complain that, three weeks after being told he was under investigation, the Dudley MP had still not been given details of the allegations against him.

Accusing Labour of “failing to observe the most rudimentary principles of natural jus- 0 Ian Austin is a prominent critic of the Labour leadership

tice, due process and transparency”, solicitors Hamlins wrote: “This process has been a farce and a disgrace. It has plainly been designed to silence our client for his legitimate, honestly held criticisms of Mr Corbyn’s failure to address the scourge of antisemitism in the Labour Party.”

The letter emerged as a second MP subjected to disciplinary proceedings after criticising Mr Corbyn attacked the party leadership’s “bullying” approach.

Dame Margaret Hodge said she was in “no doubt” figures at the top of the party want to purge opponents of the leader. An inquiry into the former minister, launched after she confronted Mr Corbyn over his handling of anti-semitism complaints, was dropped by the party on Monday.