Labour MP Lisa Nandy pulls out of CBI event after business group faces new sexual misconduct claims

Labour MP Lisa Nandy has withdrawn from an appearance with the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) due to claims of sexual misconduct within the organisation, Sky News understands.

Ms Nandy, shadow secretary for levelling up, housing, communities and local government, was due to appear at the CBI Political Engagement Dinner on 25 April.

The event, according to the CBI website, was aimed at bringing the Labour MP together with business leaders to "discuss how we can create a regionally-thriving economy".

It comes just hours after the CBI responded to claims raised in The Guardian newspaper about sexual misconduct within the organisation.

The report said more than a dozen women claimed to have been victims of inappropriate behaviour, with one alleging she was raped during a staff party in 2019 and was later told by a manager to get counselling instead of pursuing the issue.

There were also accusations of attempted sexual assault by a manager at the same party, the report said, adding that the CBI had confirmed it investigated a complaint regarding this.

The report also contained claims made by several women that a senior manager had sent them unwanted intimate images, with the newspaper saying it had seen some of them.

The business lobbying organisation told the newspaper that it had no record of the rape allegation, while the manager accused of attempted sexual assault had since left the organisation, it said.

'Utmost seriousness'

In a separate statement supplied to Sky News, it added: "The CBI has treated and continues to treat all matters of workplace conduct with the utmost seriousness, which is why last month, we commissioned a thorough investigation by an independent law firm into all recent allegations that have been put to us.

"It would undermine this important process and be damaging and prejudicial to all the individuals involved to comment on these allegations at this point.

"We will not hesitate to take any necessary action when the investigation concludes."

'Mortified'

It comes after CBI boss Tony Danker stepped aside from his role a month ago after it was reported the group was looking into his conduct.

A woman employed by the CBI alleged Mr Danker had made unwanted contact with her which she considered to be sexual harassment.

Mr Danker had responded to the claims in a statement saying he was "mortified" for any offence or hurt caused, adding: "It was completely unintentional and I apologise profusely.

"The CBI is the employers' organisation and I am very proud to be its leader. We always strive for the highest standards.

"I therefore support the decision we've taken to review any new allegations independently. And I have decided to step aside while the review takes place and will cooperate fully with it."

The allegations raised in The Guardian are not related to Mr Danker.

-sky news