Top Tory activist Robert Winfield suspended by the party over sex pest allegations
A VETERAN activist has been suspended by the Tory party after allegations he was a sex pest.
Robert Winfield is accused of sexually harassing women members, including rising star Elena Bunbury.
The 21-year-old claimed she handed Tory HQ a statement last year naming and detailing his alleged behaviour – though Winfield is understood to deny the allegations.
She has accused party top brass of ignoring the issue and has claimed she was later forced to quit.
Elena, a local councillor in Holmfirth, West Yorks, posted on Twitter: “I had my merit questioned over and over.
“I have been subjected to numerous jokes about how I have only got to where I am based on looks.
I am bored of being degraded due to this individual’s behaviour. I am bored of avoiding events for worry of his attendance.
‘SAFE-GUARDING ISSUES’
“I flagged safe-guarding issues that weren’t investigated.
I hope this time is different and the new party management will take our comments seriously, and not ignore them.”
Elena posted a copy of the statement she submitted to the Tory party on Twitter and was inundated with support.
Winfield is secretary of the Yorkshire Conservative Policy Forum.
It is understood he denies any wrongdoing.
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He retweeted a message, now deleted, saying: “It’s a real shame to see tweets today attacking a long-standing hard working Conservative member.”
A Tory source confirmed Winfield had been suspended by the party.
A Conservative spokesperson said: “We take any allegations of this type incredibly seriously and are investigating this matter in line with procedures.”
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