Why Did Starmer's Top Aide Resign Over Leaked Messages About Diane Abbott?

In a significant political fallout, Paul Ovenden, a senior adviser to Labour leader Keir Starmer, has resigned following the emergence of leaked messages that revealed inappropriate remarks made about Diane Abbott. The messages, which date back to 2017, involved a game of 'sh*g, marry, kill' and included graphic discussions that have drawn widespread condemnation.

Last updated: 27 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Paul Ovenden resigned after leaked messages about Diane Abbott surfaced.
• The messages contained inappropriate sexualised language and hypothetical scenarios.
• Downing Street condemned the comments as "appalling and unacceptable."
• Abbott is a prominent figure in Labour and has faced significant abuse throughout her career.
• The incident has raised concerns about workplace culture within the Labour Party.

Background of the Incident

Paul Ovenden, who served as the director of strategy for Keir Starmer, was previously part of the press team under Jeremy Corbyn's leadership. The leaked messages, which were shared via Labour's internal messaging system, detail a conversation among colleagues that included references to sexual acts involving Diane Abbott, a long-time MP and former shadow home secretary.

Details of the Leaked Messages

The messages reportedly included Ovenden recounting a gathering where colleagues participated in the game 'sh*g, marry, kill'. He described the conversations as "outrageous," claiming they were filled with laughter and included inappropriate hypothetical discussions about Abbott. One of the more disturbing remarks involved a crude question regarding which colleague would hypothetically use a sex toy on Abbott.

Response from Labour and Downing Street

The reaction to the leaked messages has been swift. Downing Street issued a statement decrying the comments as "appalling and unacceptable," emphasising the need for respect within political discourse. The spokesperson highlighted Abbott's role as the first black woman elected to Parliament and acknowledged the abuse she has faced throughout her career, reminding the public that such comments have no place in British politics.

Implications for the Labour Party

This incident raises serious questions about the culture within the Labour Party and the treatment of its members, particularly women. Diane Abbott's experiences of harassment and discrimination are not isolated; they reflect a broader issue within political environments that often allow misogyny and racist undertones to persist.

Abbott's Current Position

Diane Abbott is currently serving as an independent MP after being suspended from the Labour Party over controversial remarks she made regarding the racism experienced by different ethnic groups. This suspension has placed her in a precarious position within the political landscape, and the recent comments from Ovenden could further complicate her situation.

Ovenden's Resignation

Ovenden's resignation was reportedly expedited after ITV News approached him regarding the leaked messages. He stated that he wanted to prevent any distraction from the government's work and expressed regret over the incident. He described the comments as details of a "silly conversation" from nearly a decade ago but acknowledged their inappropriateness.

Workplace Culture and Accountability

The incident has prompted discussions about workplace culture within the Labour Party and the accountability of senior figures. Commentators have pointed out that such exchanges not only undermine the party's efforts to present a united front but also reflect a troubling attitude towards women in politics. The Labour Party's code of conduct explicitly prohibits the use of sexualised language, and this incident raises questions about adherence to these guidelines.

What Happens Next?

The Labour Party must now address the implications of this incident. The leadership is tasked with ensuring that such behaviour is not tolerated and that measures are put in place to foster a respectful and inclusive environment. This may involve further training on appropriate communication and behaviour within the party.

Public and Media Reaction

The media coverage surrounding this incident has been extensive, with various outlets discussing the implications for both Ovenden and Abbott. Public reaction has ranged from outrage at the comments made to calls for stronger policies against workplace harassment and sexism in politics.

Conclusion

This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by women in politics and the importance of maintaining a respectful discourse. As the Labour Party navigates this issue, it will be crucial for them to reaffirm their commitment to inclusivity and accountability. How the party responds will significantly impact its reputation and the trust of its constituents moving forward.

As political discourse continues to evolve, will other parties take heed of this situation to ensure a more respectful environment for all? #LabourParty #DianeAbbott #WorkplaceCulture

FAQs

What did Paul Ovenden say in the leaked messages?

Paul Ovenden shared inappropriate comments related to a game of 'sh*g, marry, kill' involving Diane Abbott, which included graphic and sexualised language.

Why did Paul Ovenden resign?

Ovenden resigned to avoid distracting from the work of the government after the leaked messages were reported, stating that he was deeply sorry for the hurt caused.

What is Diane Abbott's current status in the Labour Party?

Diane Abbott is currently serving as an independent MP after being suspended from the Labour Party due to controversial remarks on racism.

How has Downing Street responded to the incident?

Downing Street condemned Ovenden's comments as "appalling and unacceptable," emphasising the need for respect in political discussions.

What are the implications of this incident for the Labour Party?

The incident has raised concerns about workplace culture and the treatment of women in politics, prompting calls for stronger policies against inappropriate behaviour.