Jeremy Corbyn aide appointed Labour complaints boss
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48052842 Version 0 of 1. A member of Jeremy Corbyn's staff has been made Labour's head of complaints, amid an ongoing anti-Semitism row. Laura Murray had previously been criticised for intervening in anti-Semitism inquiries led by party staff. The BBC has seen internal emails from last year in which Ms Murray offered her opinion on the handling of cases. A leader's office spokesman said any involvement had been a temporary arrangement while a new general secretary took up her post. Labour has struggled to contain a long-running row over anti-Semitism. In February, it was reported that the party had received 673 complaints in 10 months alleging acts of anti-Semitism by its members. The key role of head of complaints was advertised in March, with candidates given three days to apply. Veteran Labour MP Dame Margaret Hodge - who has passed allegations of anti-Semitism to party officials for investigation - has called for a new, independent complaints process. An outspoken critic of the Labour leadership's handling of anti-Semitism, Dame Margaret said Ms Murray's appointment was the result of a "bogus hiring process". However, some campaigners against anti-Semitism have defended Ms Murray, who worked on Mr Corbyn's leadership campaign and is the daughter of Mr Corbyn's aide Andrew Murray. Jon Lansman, from the left-wing group Momentum, has said that Ms Murray has done more than anyone he knows to tackle anti-Semitism in the party. |