Tom Watson calls for full investigation into Sandwell Labour bullying claims

Wednesbury North councillor Luke Giles claims he was bullied by Labour and his trade union for refusing to vote for Yvonne Davies.

Councillor Giles claims he has made repeated complaints to Labour over bullying and harassment, but the party has disputed this saying none have yet been made.

A total of 22 Sandwell councillors have written to Labour general secretary Jennie Formby in support of Councillor Giles.

Labour deputy leader and West Bromwich East MP Mr Watson told the Express & Star: "I’m extremely concerned to hear of Luke’s accounts of events.

"He’s a brilliant young councillor with a great future in Sandwell. Any allegations of bullying or intimidation should be fully investigated."

Councillor Giles claims he has made three complaints since November 2018.

The letter, from fellow councillors, says: "Given the seriousness of Luke’s allegations we ask that the Labour Party’s General Secretary and chairman of the NEC (Wendy Nichols) establish the facts and investigate this case.

"We would like to reiterate our personal support to a hardworking young councillor who should not be politically threatened or intimidated whilst serving his community."

But a Labour party spokesman said: "This is the first we’ve heard of these allegations as no complaint has been submitted to the party. We can only investigate complaints we receive."

Councillor Giles has also called for an independent investigation after he claimed Labour endorsed Councillor Davies before the Sandwell leadership election in March.

This goes against the party's stance which states that no candidate is endorsed before an election.

The Labour spokesman added: “The general secretary does not endorse or support candidates in Labour group elections and it is completely false to claim the regional director attempted to influence the result .”