MP resigns as aide in row over ‘rumours’

SWANSEA East MP Carolyn Harris, pictured above, has reportedly resigned as Sir Keir Starmer’s closest parliamentary aide over allegations she spread rumours about his deputy via WhatsApp.

The Times has reported Carolyn Harris has quit as Sir Keir’s parliamentary private secretary, a position she had held since he became Labour leader last year.

After disastrous results in English local elections, and a by-election in Hartlepool, the Labour leader began a reshuffle of his shadow cabinet, including reports his deputy, Angela Rayner, would be demoted.

She was due to be axed as party chairman but she resisted the sacking, which led to hours of negotiations between her and Starmer over her role on Sunday, leading to delays in announcing the results of the reshuffle.

In a statement released by Sir Keir’s office, Ms Harris said: “It has been the proudest moment of my career to co-chair the campaign that saw Keir Starmer elected as Labour leader, and to serve as his PPS [parliamentary private secretary] for the past year.

“Stepping back from this role is the right thing at this moment, coming as it does after some trying personal times and an ever-increasing workload as Deputy Leader of Welsh Labour. I have enjoyed every minute, and look forward to supporting Keir the best way I can in the months ahead.”

The Times reports that Ms Harris was “briefing salacious rumours about Angela over the weekend and got caught”.

Their source continued: “She’s a total wrecking ball and has done him a lot of harm in PLP [parliamentary party].”

Asked by The Times about the claim she had been spreading rumours regarding Ms Rayner, Ms Harris immediately blocked the reporter on WhatsApp.

Starmer’s office declined to comment. Ms Rayner’s spokesman said that she and Starmer were working together on Labour’s response to the Queen’s Speech.

Ms Harris did not answer when contacted by WalesOnline and Welsh Labour, of which she is deputy leader, referred to the previously issued statement.