Labour shadow minister denies slapping party's members backside and joking about her masectomy

Karl Turner rejects allegations and denies he acted in 'misogynistic manner'

Karl Turner said he 'strongly rejects' any suggestion he behaved inappropriately (Chris McAndrew/UK Parliament)

A Labour shadow minister has denied wrongdoing following allegations he slapped a woman’s behind and made offensive comments about her breasts.

Karl Turner, the shadow transport minister, rejected any suggestion he had behaved in a “misogynistic manner” towards a party member in his constituency office in 2015.

It follows reports he had made a series of inappropriate comments towards the woman.

Two unnamed witnesses told the Financial Times they had seen the Kingston upon Hull MP slap the woman’s backside and then joke about the fact she had had a double mastectomy as she recovered from breast cancer, saying she “shouldn't have got rid of her real tits because they were great".

Mr Turner is said to have then added: "The ones you've got now are nice enough."

After being challenged at the time about his actions, Mr Turner allegedly responded by saying something like: "I couldn't help myself.”

He is said to have made similar comments on a number of other occasions and is also accused of having remarked about the woman having a “nice arse”.

While two witnesses described the event in question, a third person who was said to have witnessed the incident said they had not seen any inappropriate behaviour.

Responding to the claims, Mr Turner said: "I am aware of reports in the media about my alleged inappropriate behaviour.

"I strongly reject any suggestion that I behaved inappropriately or in a misogynistic manner."

The incident is said to have been reported to Labour by witnesses last year but party officials said they were unable to act unless the alleged victim came forward herself.

A Labour spokesperson said: "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 fully investigated, and any appropriate disciplinary action taken in line with the party's rule book and procedures."