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🚨 SCOOP: Corbyn's chief of staff Karie Murphy dismissed an investigation into bullying and inappropriate behaviour towards young women by Pete Willsman, saying she would "have a word" instead. The woman never received a response to her complaint thetimes.co.uk/edition/news/s…
The young woman accused Willsman, then on Labour's National Executive Committee [NEC], of demanding to know where she lived, whether she liked clubbing — and sending texts saying he was in his pyjamas. He "refused" to leave her alone. She reported similar conduct to other women 
Here is Karie Murphy's extraordinary response, in which she says the complaint alleged only "unprofessional" behaviour by Willsman and "minor references to him being over familiar". She said: "I am sure someone having a word with PW would easily correct this."
Murphy then said that ALL National Executive Committee members should behave in a "courteous and respectful manner at all times". She said she would be happy to have an informal chat with Willsman.
As a result, there was no investigation of any kind. Willsman, Corbyn's friend, remained on the NEC despite his office having full knowledge of the complaint. I spoke to the woman, who confirmed she got no response. Instead, a colleague told her someone "had a word" with PW
At the time, Labour staff had already raised Willsman's behaviour with him. Murphy's recommendation to have another informal chat had no impact. A year later, @alexwickham had this terrific scoop revealing Willsman asked [another] young woman if she liked twerking
@alexwickham Willsman was accused of wider bullying, including saying that anti-Corbyn Labour MPs "deserved to be attacked". A source who knew Jo Cox says it is "chilling" that he remained on Labour's top body for 1.5 years
@alexwickham Today, @jessphillips told @cazjwheeler: "This behaviour clearly fall under the definition of sexual harassment and anyone who was trained would know this. Is the policy in the parties HR that what we do is "have a word" or is there a formal process in place?" (1/)
@alexwickham @jessphillips @cazjwheeler "Why would any woman come forward if there is no process being followed. "
@alexwickham @jessphillips @cazjwheeler In summary: in 2017, Willsman accused of inappropriate conduct to young women, bullying male staff & saying anti-Corbyn MPs deserved to be attacked. How did Murphy respond? "Remind members to behave in a courteous and respectful manner at all times".
@alexwickham @jessphillips @cazjwheeler He was only suspended last week over A/S. ENDS 🌹🥀thetimes.co.uk/article/labour…
