John Prescott's son suspended by Labour over sexual harassment claims

A key aide to Jeremy Corbyn has been suspended over sexual harassment claims.

David Prescott, the son of former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, was reportedly removed from his position a few days ago.

He became a speechwriter for the Labour leader in October 2016, and is believed to have been a key part of the team that helped to revive Mr Corbyn’s fortunes in the run up to the General Election.

Responding to the suspension, a Labour spokesperson said: ‘We don’t comment on staffing matters.’

Mr Prescott’s suspension comes as sexual harassment claims continue to rock the Labour Party, following claims made against MPs Kelvin Hopkins and Jared O’Mara, who have both been temporarily removed from their posts.

According to emails seen by PoliticsHome, Mr Prescott’s suspension was first noticed yesterday when he failed to chair a weekly meeting for shadow ministerial media advisers.

An email reportedly states: ‘With apols for the short notice, as David’s not in today, the weekly comms meeting is cancelled. Can you message/email me separately if there are any issues you want/need to flag, or if there’s anything you need from us. Cheers.’

Mr Prescott also stood as Labour’s Gainsborough candidate in 2015, but lost the challenge to Tory MP Sir Edward Leigh.