Accused MP denies all allegations ‘categorically’

Labour member says he is ‘shocked’ at claims and offers full cooperation

Suspended Labour MP Kelvin Hopkins has “absolutely and categorically” denied allegations of inappropriate conduct made by party activist Ava Etemadzadeh.

Ms Etemadzadeh’s claims that the MP sent her suggestive texts and acted inappropriately are being investigated by Labour.

The party’s leader Jeremy Corbyn has come under fire for promoting Mr Hopkins to the shadow cabinet last year after the allegations first surfaced.

In a statement issued by his solicitors, Mr Hopkins denied claims he acted inappropriately following a Labour student event.

The MP said: “I absolutely and categorically deny that I in any way engaged in any such inappropriate conduct.

“I simply put an arm around her shoulder to give her a brief, slight hug just before getting in to my car.

“I did not hold her tight. I did not rub any part of my body, let alone my crotch, against Ava.

“She waved me off as I drove away and did not say anything whatsoever to suggest that anything had occurred that upset her, let alone revolted her.”

Mr Hopkins claims that Ms Etemadzadeh sent him a text later that evening saying: “Thank you so much Kelvin for coming tonight!! We had a fantastic time. My members loved you! :-) You’re a star! x Ava”.

Referring to claims made by Ms Etemadzadeh after a meeting with the MP in the Commons, Mr Hopkins said: “It is reported in the press that at that meeting I asked questions about her personal life and that I made her uncomfortable with a suggestion that I would have liked to take her to my office if it were empty.

“I have no recollection whatsoever of such conversations.”

The MP claims that Ms Etemadzadeh sent him a text after that meeting saying: “Thank you, Kelvin for today. It was lovely meeting you! :-) xx”

Mr Hopkins has confirmed he did send Ms Etemadzadeh a text which referred to her as “charming and sweet matured” and stated “a nice young man would be lucky to have you as a girlfriend and lover... Were I to be young... but I am not...”

The MP claims Ms Etemadzadeh sent him a text saying: “Oh thank you Kelvin for such kind words. I was ill last week for a couple of days and also I had run for NUS delegate – they announced the results and I got elected with the highest number of votes!! So sorry if I couldn’t speak to you last week x”.

Mr Hopkins said he was “shocked” by the allegations and would cooperate with the internal Labour inquiry.

Meanwhile, last night Dover MP Charlie Elphicke has had the Conservative whip suspended after serious allegations which were referred to the police, according to party chief whip Julian Smith.

Picture: PA. Labour MP Kelvin Hopkins has issued a strong denial of any wrongdoing.