Debbie Abrahams sacked as shadow work and pensions secretary over workplace bullying claims

'Investigation was not thorough, fair or independent,' says Oldham East and Saddleworth MP

Oldham East and Saddleworth MP was suspended earlier this year after claims by multiple people reportedly supported by several witnesses (PA)

Shadow work and pensions secretary Debbie Abrahams has been sacked after an investigation into workplace bullying.

The Oldham East and Saddleworth MP was suspended earlier this year after claims by multiple people were reportedly supported by several witnesses.

Ms Abrahams has vigorously denied the allegations and criticised the investigation.

“I strongly refute the allegations of bullying made against me. I believe the investigation was not thorough, fair or independent,” she said. “I will continue to represent the people of Oldham East and Saddleworth, and to hold this Government to account, from the back benches.”

Labour said in March Ms Abrahams had “stood aside from her frontbench role while the Labour Party investigates an employment issue”.

But the MP said at the time she had not agreed to stepping back from the role and claimed she had been a victim of a “bullying culture of the worst kind”.

The investigation upheld the complaints made against her and found she had engaged in a pattern of bullying behaviour towards staff, according to reports.

The MP has now been referred to the disputes committee of Labour’s ruling National Executive Committee.

At the time of her suspension Ms Abrahams issued a bombshell statement rejecting the allegations against her in the “strongest possible” terms.

She criticised Jeremy Corbyn and accused “certain individuals” in his office of “aggressive, intimidating and wholly unprofessional” behaviour.

A Labour Party spokesman said: “After a thorough party investigation into allegations of workplace bullying, Debbie Abrahams has been referred to the NEC disputes committee.

“She has been relieved of her post as shadow work and pensions secretary.”

Margaret Greenwood, who became the temporary shadow work and pensions secretary in March, will continue in the role.