Anti-Semitism: Labour probe into MP Ian Austin branded 'a farce'
Lawyers acting for Labour's Ian Austin have branded a party probe into his conduct a 'farce and a disgrace'.
The Dudley North MP tweeted copies of letters from his lawyers amid the ongoing anti-Semitism row engulfing the party.
They accused Labour's general secretary of failing to 'observe the most rudimentary principles of natural justice'.
It comes almost three weeks after Labour told Mr Austin that an investigation would be launched.
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He was threatened with disciplinary action after 'heated discussion' on the subject with Labour Party General Secretary Ian Lavery in the Commons last month over the party's code of conduct on anti-Semitism.
Mr Austin was sent a letter from general secretary Jenny Formby accusing him of 'abusive conduct in Parliament'.
It has emerged Labour has dropped a similar investigation into MP Margaret Hodge.
Mr Austin said of the letter: "Almost three weeks ago Labour told me I was being investigated.
"My lawyers replied last week asking for details and saying "the Labour Party has failed to observe the most rudimentary principles of natural justice, due process and transparency."
"It says the party is “prejudging the complaints” and "This process has been a farce and a disgrace. It has plainly been designed to silence our client for his legitimate, honestly-held criticisms of Mr Corbyn’s failure to address the scourge of anti-Semitism in the Labour Party.”
