Leicester East MP Claudia Webbe charged with harassment of a woman

28 September 2020, 14:18 | Updated: 28 September 2020, 17:20

Leicester East MP Claudia Webbe has been charged with an offence of harassment against one female, the Crown Prosecution Service said.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced the charge against the 55-year-old, who represents Leicester East, on Monday after being passed a file of evidence by the Metropolitan Police.

The CPS said in a statement: "The CPS has today decided that Claudia Webbe, MP for Leicester East, should be charged with an offence of harassment against one female.

"The CPS made the decision after receiving a file of evidence from the Metropolitan Police.

"Criminal proceedings against Ms Webbe are now active and she has the right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."

Webbe will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on November 11.

The Labour MP is accused of carrying out the harassment between September 1 2018 and April 26 this year.

In a statement, the MP said: "I am innocent of any wrongdoing and look forward to proving this in court. I will be vigorously defending myself against these claims."

Labour is yet to comment over whether the party will suspend the whip from Ms Webbe.