Politics

SDLP suspends three members amid sexism row

A member of Justin McNulty's staff is understood to have been suspended by the SDLP. Picture by Liam McArdle
A member of Justin McNulty's staff is understood to have been suspended by the SDLP. Picture by Liam McArdle A member of Justin McNulty's staff is understood to have been suspended by the SDLP. Picture by Liam McArdle

THE SDLP is embroiled in an internal row after female members accused a number of male colleagues of sexism.

The party has suspended three members in Newry and Armagh and launched an investigation that centres on its youth wing.

The party's MLA in the area, Justin McNulty has declined to comment while there is an ongoing probe, overseen by SDLP chairman and South Down MLA Colin McGrath.

The Irish News understands that the row flared amid concerns over the party's reaction to the murder last month of Sarah Everard in south London.

The killing of the 33-year-old saw a number of high-profile protests highlighting male violence against women.

While exact details of the dispute between SDLP Youth members is unclear, it is thought that a number of female members were unhappy with the attitude of some male colleagues to their concerns.

After a complaint was lodged, three members were suspended.

A statement from the party said: "The SDLP has received a complaint about the conduct of a small number of members of SDLP Youth and is investigating the matter.

"The party takes allegations of this nature extremely seriously."