Ex-Labour MP accused of sexual harassment joins Plaid Cymru

Former Labour MP Geraint Davies, who was suspended from the party following sexual harassment allegations, has now joined Plaid Cymru, the ruling party in Wales. Davies made the announcement on the Nation Cymru news website, claiming he was forced out of his MP position due to local rivalries and his refusal to speak out against killings in Gaza as ordered by Keir Starmer. He dismissed the sexual misconduct allegations against him as "untrue anonymous hearsay in the media."

Five women accused Davies of unwanted sexual attention, both physical and verbal, after they encountered him in his role as an MP. Davies was immediately suspended as a Labour MP following the allegations' public disclosure but remained a party member until 2025. When the claims first emerged, Davies denied the allegations, stating that he did not recognize them and expressing regret if he had inadvertently caused offense.

Two women later filed official complaints with the Labour Party, leading to a lengthy investigation. Davies was ineligible to stand as a candidate in the 2024 election due to his suspension, and the planned hearing on his conduct was cancelled.

Davies argued in his Nation Cymru article that the Labour Party orchestrated his removal as a candidate for factional reasons, citing a 23-week waiting period without any complaints and the classification of subsequent complaints as "to support other women." Two women who previously made allegations and requested anonymity contacted POLITICO to challenge Davies' Nation Cymru statement.

One woman, a sitting Labour MP since 2015, confirmed that the allegations of sexual harassment were not just hearsay, while the other woman emphasized that women do not come forward due to such platforms and responses.

Both women were first approached by POLITICO to comment on Davies' statements but chose not to do so. A Labour Party spokesperson stated that all complaints are thoroughly assessed according to their rules and procedures, and that it is untrue to suggest Davies' non-selection as a Labour candidate was unrelated to the allegations.

Plaid Cymru, Davies' new party, stated that they treat all sexual harassment and abuse allegations with utmost seriousness, taking each concern seriously and investigating allegations fairly and thoroughly.