Labour MP Clive Lewis cleared over claims he groped woman

Labour MP Clive Lewis has been cleared of allegations he groped a woman at annual party conference.

An internal party investigation dismissed claims from a female activist that the former Labour frontbencher had touched her inappropriately at a Momentum fringe event during the event in Brighton in September.

The Norwich South MP said: “I am very pleased to be able to put this behind me and move on. I believe it right and proper the Labour Party treats all allegations of bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct seriously.

"I want to express my gratitude to my wife, friends and constituents who have supported me during recent weeks.”

A female delegate said the pair had hugged at the conference event and “he gave my bum a big squeeze.”

At the time, Mr Lewis told the BBC he was “vigorously” disputing the allegation, saying he had been “pretty taken aback”.

“I don’t as a rule at packed Labour Party conferences grope people’s bottoms when I greet them,” he said.

“It’s not what I do. Is the person mistaken? Have I given them a hug and this has been misinterpreted?

"I don’t know. All I know is I would not deliberately do what’s alleged. I completely deny that.”