Fraud accused claims Carolyn Harris MP called her 'a dyke'

A woman accused of fraud while working for Carolyn Harris MP has claimed Mrs Harris called her "a dyke".

The court heard the Swansea East MP allegedly said to Jenny Lee Clarke, her former senior aide: "Look at your dyke boots".

Mrs Harris said "I don't remember saying that" when asked about the comment, but added if she had it would have been "banter".

Asked about the word "dyke", Mrs Harris said: "It's a term for a lesbian. Jenny Clarke is. I'm certainly not homophobic. I am an ally of the LGBT community and I always have been."

She said Clarke herself used the term but told the court it would not be used in a formal capacity.

Jenny Lee Clarke is accused of forging Mrs Harris' signature and fraudulently submitting a form to give herself a £2000 pay rise and reduce her weekly hours from 40 to 37.5.

Mrs Harris has said she did not approve the annual pay increase from £37,000 to £39,000 and has no knowledge of an email purportedly confirming the change.

The trial continues.