Labour MP suspended after husband arrested on suspicion of spying for China | Politics | News

Labor MP Joani Reid has been suspended from the party after her husband was arrested on suspicion of spying for China.

Ms Reid said she was “voluntarily” distancing herself from the Labor Party “pending the outcome of internal investigations”.

Her husband, David Taylor, is accused of aiding a foreign intelligence service and was one of three people arrested.

A Labor spokesman said: “Joani Reid has agreed to cooperate fully with Labor’s investigation into these matters.”

Taylor was also suspended from the party pending an investigation.

A Labor Party spokesman said: “These are incredibly serious allegations. We cannot comment further while the police investigation is ongoing.”

Ms Reid said she would continue to serve her constituents as normal as an MP.

He said: “This week has been the worst week of my life. The shock of recent days has been difficult for me and my family.

“I want to reiterate something very important: I am not being investigated by the police and there are no charges against me.”

In a statement first reported in The Guardian, he said: “I have done nothing wrong. I love my country.”

He said he did not want the Government to be distracted by “speculation and gossip” about his family.

He added: “Following discussions with the Chief Whip, I am voluntarily removing myself from that role this evening and will not sit as a Labor MP until internal investigations are concluded. I will welcome and co-operate with any questions and concerns the party has.”

The Metropolitan Police said Taylor, 39, along with two other men, aged 43 and 68, were arrested by counter-terrorism officers at addresses in London and Wales on Wednesday and were released on bail until May.

He was listed as a “lobbyist” for Ms Reid’s registered interests.