Jeremy Corbyn’s opponents are trying to destroy the Labour Party, claims John McDonnell
Shadow Chancellor has made a plea for Labour supporters and members to unite
JOHN McDonnell has lashed out at Jeremy Corbyn’s opponents, accusing them of trying to "destroy" the Labour Party in order to get rid of their leader.
The Shadow Chancellor said there was a "small group" within the party responsible for the current turmoil which has seen it beset by allegations of bullying, intimidation and abuse.
But Mr McDonnell said the office manager concerned had simply been checking whether Ms Malhotra had moved out of the office after quitting as shadow chief Treasury secretary last month in protest at Mr Corbyn's leadership.
"I have now got a member of staff - she's a widow with daughters, this is her sole income - she's now worried she's going to lose her job and face prosecution because it's described as a break-in.
“That's just so distressing, it's unacceptable. This has obviously been an error," he said.
But with the rift between the leadership and the party's MPs showing no signs of ending, Mr McDonnell acknowledged there would have to be some form of mediation once the current leadership contest is over.
"What we should do is do some mediated negotiations between the Parliamentary Labour Party, the NEC (national executive committee) and others, so we use the leadership contest to discuss the issues, but also we use it to help heal some of the wounds and bring it together," he said.