Top Starmer aide quits over sexually explicit Diane Abbott messages
Starmer aide resigns after messages about Diane Abbot were uncovered
- Paul Ovenden, Downing Street's director of strategy, has resigned after sexually explicit messages he exchanged about MP Diane Abbott in 2017 came to light.
- Ovenden stated he brought forward his resignation to avoid becoming a “distraction” and to protect the prime minister's reputation.
- The messages, exchanged with a female colleague when he was a junior press officer, contained sexually explicit remarks concerning Ms Abbott.
- His departure adds to the pressure on the prime minister, following recent resignations and sackings, amidst growing criticism of his leadership.
- Diane Abbott, a veteran Labour MP, is currently sitting as an independent after being suspended from the party in 2023 over a controversial letter she wrote.