Scottish Labour is plunged into chaos – again

When Kezia Dugdale quit as Scottish Labour leader in August, she said it was time to ‘pass on the baton’ to someone else, handing power to her deputy, Alex Rowley. Today, Rowley has stepped aside, leaving a leaderless party following allegations – which he denies – that he was abusive to his former partner. 

The Corbyn ally recused himself after he was accused of ’emotional blackmail and abuse’. The woman, who has not been named, alleges that Rowley was controlling and sent her insulting text messages after she broke off the relationship. One is alleged to have read: ‘You are one horrible nasty piece of work and I am going to expose you’; another: ‘You are the most rotten b*****d I have had the misfortune to become involved with.’ The woman says she went to the police twice.

Rowley has issued a denial, saying:

‘I totally refute these allegations and will take all steps necessary to clear my name.