November 8, 2017 12.12 pm This story is over 76 months old

Former Gainsborough MP candidate and Corbyn aide ‘suspended amid sexual harassment allegations’

He works as a political adviser and speechwriter for the Labour leader.
David Prescott, former Gainsborough MP candidate and Jeremy Corbyn's speechwriter

A former Lincolnshire MP candidate who works as a political adviser and speechwriter for Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has been suspended from his role.

Married dad David Prescott, who unsuccessfully stood for Labour in Gainsborough at the 2015 general election, was reportedly suspended in the last few days amid the sexual harassment scandal engulfing Westminster.

The son of former deputy prime minister John Prescott has been credited as being one of the key figures in improving the Labour leader’s image, streamlining his approach to PMQs, and instilling a greater degree of professionalism in his office.

At the time he was appointed back in October 2016, Prescott said that he was “delighted and deeply honoured”, adding that it was a once in a lifetime opportunity he could not turn down.

He also appeared in a live Brexit debate organised by The Lincolnite and BBC Radio Lincolnshire, where he passionately campaigned for the UK to remain in the European Union.

One year earlier, he increased Labour’s share of the vote in Gainsborough in the general election, but still finished over 15,000 votes behind veteran Conservative candidate Sir Edward Leigh.

A spokesman for Jeremy Corbyn’s office said he would not comment on staffing matters.

A Labour party spokesman, when asked about Prescott’s suspension, told the Daily Mirror: “The party takes all complaints of sexual harassment, abuse and discrimination extremely seriously.

“We ask that anyone with a complaint comes forward so that allegations can be properly investigated.

“When evidence of misconduct comes to light, all appropriate disciplinary action is taken in line with the party’s rule book and procedures.”