Geraint Davies says he is ‘unable’ to stand for Labour because of suspension

Geraint Davies, who remains suspended from the Labour Party after allegations of sexual harassment, has said he is standing down from Parliament at the General Election.

The Swansea West MP on Tuesday said he is “unable” to stand as a Labour candidate on July 4 because of his suspension.

Labour withdrew the whip from Mr Davies last June pending an investigation into reports of “incredibly serious allegations of completely unacceptable behaviour”.

He also faced allegations that he “boasted” about bringing sex workers into Parliament for drinks.

Mr Davies, who has been sitting as an Independent, denies the allegations.

In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, he wrote: “Having been suspended a year ago following anonymous allegations posted in the media, I am disappointed that I have yet to have a Labour Party hearing and the opportunity to clear my name.

“As a result, I am unable to stand as a Labour candidate in the forthcoming General Election and will continue to pursue a fair hearing after it.”

He also said that “it has been an honour and privilege to have served the people of Swansea West as their Member of Parliament for the past 14 years”.

Mr Davies joins a growing list of MPs announcing their decisions not to seek re-election.

Shadow veterans minister Steve McCabe revealed late on Tuesday that he will stand down as Birmingham Selly Oak’s MP.

He said it had been “a privilege to serve as the Member of Parliament for the constituencies of Hall Green and then Selly Oak over the past 27 years”, and “this has been a difficult decision, but I’ve often said I hoped I’d know when to go”.

Five Labour MPs, including shadow ministers, on Monday said they would stand down, adding up to 30 in Sir Keir Starmer’s party leaving Parliament.

On the Tory side, a post-war record of 78 MPs are stepping down as the party languishes behind Labour in the polls, surpassing the previous high of 72 who quit before Labour’s 1997 landslide.

They include prominent Conservative figures Michael Gove, Theresa May and Dame Andrea Leadsom.

Labour has been contacted for comment.