Tom Watson apologises over four-month Ian Austin probe
Tom Watson has apologised to Ian Austin over the time it took the Labour Party to conclude a probe into allegations of abusive conduct against him.
The investigation stemmed from a row the Dudley North MP had with party chairman Ian Lavery in the House of Commons during this summer's anti-Semitism row.
He was accused of 'abusive conduct in Parliament' following a meeting of Labour's ruling NEC in July, but has now been told the probe has ended with no action against him.
Mr Austin, who denies he was abusive towards Mr Lavery, has hit out at the way the issue was handled and said the time it took was 'appalling'.
West Bromwich East MP and Labour deputy leader Mr Watson said: "I'm very sorry it took so long to conclude but this is the right decision."
This year Labour has faced unprecedented protests outside Parliament by Jewish groups over their initial failure to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition and examples of anti-Semitism in full.
The party has since adopted the IHRA definition and examples completely, but sparked further controversy by adding a 'freedom of expression' clause on Israel and the rights of Palestinians.
Labour officials also threatened action against fellow MP Margaret Hodge after she called party leader Jeremy Corbyn an 'anti-Semite' and a 'racist' in the Commons.
A probe into her was subsequently dropped amid pressure from senior Labour MPs.
A Labour Party spokesman said: "The Labour Party takes all allegations of abusive behaviour extremely seriously. These are fully investigated in line with party rules and procedures."
