LABOUR have suspended their MP Jared O’Mara over a number of sexist, homophobic and transphobic “comments and behaviour”.
The move follows public calls this week from both Labour MPs and their opponents for Mr O’Mara to be punished over historic online comments made over a decade ago.
It is understood that the Labour Party moved to suspend the Sheffield Hallam MP today as more recent comments of a similar nature have been uncovered.
Confirming Mr O’Mara’s suspension, Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell said: “The decision has been taken to suspend Jared O'Mara and have the whip withdrawn because of that suspension.
"There will be a full investigation by the Labour Party and then, as a result of that, a final decision will be made about his future.”
On Monday, Mr O’Mara resigned from the Commons Women and Equalities Committee in a row over comments made more than10 years ago.
These included calling a woman an “ugly b***h” and referring to gay people as “fudge packers” and “plotters” on a forum devoted to the rockstar Morrissey.
Mr O’Mara also made derogatory remarks about Spanish and Danish people, said he would like to have an “orgy” with members of Girls Aloud, and described female Arctic Monkeys fans as “sexy little sl*gs.”
The 35-year-old said he was “deeply ashamed” of his online comments and claimed he has undergone a “journey of education” since making them.
He added that he “categorically” denies other allegations that he verbally assaulted a woman he met on a dating app earlier this year.
Asked about comments made by suspended Labour MP Jared O'Mara, PM says MPs must show respect for people in public life
— Nick Eardley (@nickeardleybbc) October 25, 2017
Oooya. Jared O’Mara’s ears stinging after PM says ‘we must all show women in public life the respect they deserve’
— Gordon Rayner (@gordonrayner) October 25, 2017
I don't care how long ago Jared O'Mara made his comments. They were obscene and more than likely still reflects his current views
— Matthew (@Heathyheath_) October 25, 2017
Sophie Evans claimed that the MP made offensive comments to her in March – just months before he was elected in Theresa May’s snap election in June.
"We were outside a club in Sheffield,” she told Sky News. “He looked me up and down and said a lot of stuff that isn't repeatable but then called me an ugly b****.
"I was really annoyed when people were trying to defend him.
"Colleagues in the Labour Party saying it was a long time ago that he made the misogynistic and sexist comments.
"Well, the insults against me were this year – just months before he stood as an MP.”
She added: “I don't have any political affiliation but I don't think he is fit to be an MP.”
Just a day before his suspension on Tuesday, Mr O’Mara was applauded by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn for admitting to his mistakes.
A senior Labour source told Sky News of his apology at a meeting of MPs: "He talked about his own experience as a young man, his own journey and his history as a disabled person.
"The room was silent while he was speaking. You could hear a pin drop."
Labour's Shadow Education Secretary Angela Rayner described the apology as "heartfelt".
Mr O’Mara will remain suspended until the Labour Party’s internal investigation has concluded.
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