An MP has been suspended from the Labour Party after an allegation of sexual harassment was made against him.

John Woodcock, MP for Barrow and Furness, said he was aware of reports in Sunday newspapers that he is claimed to have sent inappropriate texts and emails to a former female staff member between 2014 and 2016.

Mr Woodcock, in a statement issued on April 29, added he was told in December 2017 that a complaint against him was being referred to Labour's constitutional committee as a "potential breach of the party's policy on sexual harassment".

He added in his statement: "I do not accept the charge but know the complaint must be thoroughly and fairly investigated."

A Labour Party spokeswoman said in a statement on Monday: "John Woodcock has been suspended from the Labour Party pending due process. It would not be appropriate to comment further on an ongoing case."

Mr Woodcock was first elected Labour MP for his constituency in 2010 and is regarded as a fierce critic of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.