Carwyn stands by deputy after bullying claims in court case
WELSH Labour leader Carwyn Jones has backed his deputy Carolyn Harris following a court case in which lurid allegations of violence and bullying were made against her.
But in her Swansea East constituency, there was talk of a possible move to deselect the MP before the next general election.
Jenny Lee Clarke, the former office manager in Mrs Harris’ constituency office, was acquitted of forgery and fraud charges at Cardiff Crown Court on Tuesday.
Members of the jury, who took less than 90 minutes to return not guilty verdicts, had heard testimony from Ms Clarke that she had been authorised by Ms Harris to submit documentation to the House of Commons authorities that resulted in her receiving a salary increase from £37,000 to £39,000 a year, and a reduction in her working hours from 40 to 37.5 per week.
The court also heard testimony from Ms Clarke that she had been physically assaulted by Mrs Harris in the office, with her hair pulled so hard that clumps came out. Mrs Harris vehemently denied the allegation. County councillor Paulette Smith, who witnessed the alleged incident, gave evidence in the court case supporting Ms Clarke’s version of events.
Ms Clarke also claimed that she had been the victim of homophobic bullying by Ms Harris. During the trial, defence barrister Stephen Donnelly accused Mrs Harris of abusing Ms Clarke and “outing” her to colleagues when she had confided that she was gay.
The MP said there was “office banter” and both women would criticise each other’s dress sense.
“Was it office banter when you said, ‘Look at your dyke boots’!” Mr Donnelly asked.
Mrs Harris replied: “I don’t remember saying that, but if I did it would have been banter. It’s a term for lesbian. Jenny Clarke is. I’m certainly not homophobic. I’m an ally of the LGBT community and I have always been.”
Sian James, who was Mrs Harris’ predecessor as MP for Swansea East, and for whom both Mrs Harris and Ms Clarke worked, confirmed to the court that Ms
Clarke had complained that Mrs Harris would use the word “dyke”.
The former MP said she took the matter seriously and raised it with Mrs Harris at the time.
“She was very shocked,” Mrs James said. “She was very concerned that these comments which had been done within the atmosphere of the office had caused hurt to Jenny.”
After Ms Clarke’s acquittal, Mrs Harris issued a statement which said: “Throughout my life, I have always been proud to do what I thought was right, regardless of how hard it proved. It goes without saying that I respect the process of justice.”
In addition to being deputy leader of Welsh Labour, Mrs Harris is at Westminster Shadow Minister for Equalities and Women. We asked Welsh Labour whether in light of the jury’s verdict and the evidence that had been given during the trial, Mrs Harris retained the confidence of Welsh Labour leader and First Minister Carwyn Jones.
We were told there had already been a full and through investigation into the allegations against Mrs Harris, that the jury’s verdict was not a verdict or a comment on the veracity of the allegations made during the course of the case, and that Mr Jones has full confidence in Mrs Harris as his deputy leader.
A senior source in Swansea East Constituency Labour Party said: “What has emerged is very damaging for the party. Jenny Lee Clarke is innocent of the charges she was accused of. I would not be at all surprised if there are moves to deselect Carolyn Harris.”
Linda Lewis, an executive member of the Swansea East party, put a message on Facebook which said: Swansea East MP Carolyn Harris was accused of ‘homophobic bullying’ by Jenny Lee-Clarke, inset below “Other MPs have been suspended for less and ordinary members have been expelled from the Labour Party. It will be interesting to see what happens next.”
Mrs Harris did not return our call and is understood to have gone away, as has Ms Clarke.