Ex-Labour MP candidate who dropped out of election race cleared of any wrongdoing as he blames smear campaign

A London Labour MP candidate who was accused of sexual harassment weeks before the general election has been cleared of any wrongdoing.

Darren Rodwell withdrew as the prospective MP for Barking at the end of June over allegations that he behaved “inappropriately” with a woman.

He said he made the “heartbreaking” decision because he did not want the claims to be a “distraction” to Labour’s wider campaign.

The party launched an internal investigation over the accusations.

In a statement on Monday Mr Rodwell said he believed the timing of the “malicious” allegations was a “deliberate attempt” to force him to drop out of the general election race. Mr Rodwell, who is the leader of Barking and Dagenham council, said: “The Labour Party has confirmed that it has dismissed an allegation concerning my personal conduct, which was made last month.

“While I am obviously relieved to put this incident behind me, it has been an incredibly stressful time, which has been particularly upsetting for my family who are still living with the consequences.

“The timing of the complaint prevented me from standing as Labour’s candidate for Barking at last week’s general election.

“I do not believe this was a coincidence but a deliberate attempt to besmirch my name and reputation ahead of the close of nominations.

“I was determined that nothing should stand in the way of a Labour victory at the general election and therefore took the heartbreaking decision to withdraw my candidacy.”

He added that he was “delighted” to welcome the new MPs who cover the Barking and Dagenham borough.

Mr Rodwell was chosen as the Labour candidate for Barking in 2022, replacing Dame Margaret Hodge who has retired.

Nesil Caliskan, the then leader of Enfield council, was selected as his replacement.

She won the safe Labour seat with a majority of more than 10,000 votes on July 4.