Carolyn Harris resigns as aide for Labour leader Keir Starmer amid allegations of spreading rumours

Swansea East MP Carolyn Harris has reportedly resigned as Sir Keir Starmer's closest parliamentary aide over allegations she spread rumours about his deputy via whatsapp.

The Times has reported Carolyn Harris has quit as Sir Keir's parliamentary private secretary, a situation she'd held since he became Labour leader this past year.

After disastrous results in English local elections, along with a by-election in Hartlepool, the Labour leader began a reshuffle of his shadow cabinet including reports his deputy Angela Rayner could be demoted.

She was because of be axed as party chair but she resisted the sacking, which resulted in hours of negotiations between her and Starmer over her role on Sunday leading to delays in announcing the outcomes of the reshuffle.

In a statement released by Sir Keir's office, Ms Harris said: “It has been the proudest moment of my career to co-chair the campaign that saw Keir Starmer elected as Labour leader, and also to function as his PPS [parliamentary private secretary] for the past year.

“Stepping back out of this role is the right thing now, coming as it does after a little trying personal times as well as an ever-increasing workload as Deputy Leader of Welsh Labour. I have enjoyed every minute, and look toward supporting Keir the easiest way I can in the months ahead.”

The Times reports that Ms Harris was "briefing salacious rumours about Angela over the weekend and also got caught".

Their source continued: "She's a total wrecking ball and it has done him lots of harm in PLP [parliamentary party].”

Asked by The Times concerning the claim she'd been spreading rumours regarding Rayner, Harris immediately blocked the reporter on WhatsApp.

Starmer's office declined to comment. Rayner's spokesman said that she and Starmer were cooperating on Labour's response to top Speech.

Ms Harris did not answer when contacted by WalesOnline and Welsh Labour, which she's deputy leader, referred back to the previously issued statement.