Labour reportedly begins expulsion proceedings for MP convicted of harassment

An MP found guilty of harassment earlier this week could be expelled from the Labour party.

Claudia Webbe, 56, who was elected to parliament for the Labour party in 2019, had the party whip suspended but remained a party member, after being charged in September 2020 for allegedly harassing Michelle Merritt, a female friend of her partner.

She was convicted following a trial at Westminster Magistrates Court.

The BBC has reported that Labour have now kickstarted the “exclusion stage” in its disciplinary process.

She will have 14 days to appeal her expulsion.

The Court heard that Ms Webbe began a campaign against Ms Merritt, through unwanted phone calls, insults, and threatening to attack her with acid. Ms Webbe also threatened to distribute naked pictures of Ms Merritt to her family.

The judge warned that a custodial sentence was possible.

She has said she will appeal the guilty charge.