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Sexual harassment claims at Christchurch Young Labour

Abbey Wakefield

The Labour Party has been hit with new allegations of sexual harassment, this time involving Young Labour volunteers in Christchurch.

Labour's Secretary General Andrew Kirton was made aware on Wednesday about a case of alleged sexual harassment and a separate case of alleged sexual abuse in the Christchurch sector of Young Labour.

The alleged harassment occurred during last year's election campaign period.

It is claimed a Young Labour volunteer in Christchurch sexually harassed another volunteer using an App after identifying them through a Young Labour Facebook group chat.

When asked about the allegations, Kirton said he was not prepared to comment as a police investigation was under way.

It is understood Kirton is aware that the sexual harassment claim involves a man described by others in Young Labour as a sexual predator, while the sexual abuse allegation may involve an underage teenager.

Christchurch East Labour MP Poto Williams said she was unaware of any complaints and suggested it was a matter for police.