Labour MP facing calls to stand down over her handling of alleged homophobic comments

Carolyn Harris, MP for Swansea East, is facing calls to stand down from her role as Shadow Equalities Minister at Westminster. This comes after Mrs Harris apologised on Twitter for her initial response to allegations she made homophobic comments.

In a statement tweeted this morning, the MP apologised for using "clumsy language" in answer to the allegations made against her by a former member of staff.

Jenny Lee Clarke, who worked as an office manager for Mrs Harris, said the MP called her "a dyke".

In her initial response to the alleged homophobic comments, Carolyn Harris said "I don't remember saying that" but added, if she had, it would have been "banter".

On Twitter, Mrs Harris - who is Shadow Equalities Minister at Westminster - said the term "banter" was "entirely inappropriate" and "offensive". She tweeted that she apologises "unreservedly and unequivocally" but the MP is still facing criticism for her response.

Environment Minister, Hannah Blythyn, tweeted "it's not appropriate. It's not ok". Miss Blythyn is one of three LGBT politicians elected to the assembly in 2016.

Mid and West Wales AM Joyce Watson expressed her support for Hannah Blythyn's tweet, as did Heinf David - Carphilly AM.

According to a statement issued by a spokesperson, First Minister Carwyn Jones has spoken to Carolyn Harris about the issue and said her "apology was absolutely the right thing to do".

Gerald Jones - MP for Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney - has also expressed support for Mrs Harris. He tweeted saying "as a member of the #LGBT community, all I have ever witnessed from you is love, solidarity and support".