Paul Ovenden, who was the director of technique at Quantity 10, is known to have left the position on Monday after quite a few prompt messages from 2017 turned public.
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The messages, exchanged between Mr Ovenden and a feminine colleague, contained the graphic retelling of a dialog he reportedly overheard about Ms Abbott whereas at a celebration.
The previous aide has alleged these weren’t his authentic phrases, however mentioned he “deeply regrets” sharing them.
He mentioned: “I actually, deeply remorse my sharing this story, and the damage and embarrassment its publication will trigger.
“Accordingly, I have brought forward my resignation to today as I do not want to be a distraction from the government’s work.”
It’s understood Mr Ovenden introduced to colleagues earlier than the summer time recess he was leaving his position, and had deliberate to go away “quietly and quickly” someday this month.
Nonetheless, within the wake of the publication of those messages, Mr Ovenden “brought forward” his resignation to in the present day.
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Paul Ovenden was Quantity 10’s Director of Technique. Pic: Imageplotter/Alamy
This concerned specific descriptions about suspended Labour MP Ms Abbott.
A Quantity 10 spokesperson mentioned: “These messages are appalling and unacceptable.
“As the primary black girl to be elected to parliament, Diane Abbott is a trailblazer who has confronted horrendous abuse all through her political profession.
“These kinds of comments have no place in our politics.”
The newest Quantity 10 resignation comes as Sir Keir admitted he by no means would have appointed Lord Mandelson to the put up of UK ambassador to the US if he had recognized what he is aware of now concerning the extent of his affiliation with Epstein.
Talking publicly for the primary time since he sacked Mandelson final Thursday, the prime minister defined {that a} “due diligence process” was carried out earlier than he was appointed to the put up in February.
“I knew of his association with Epstein,” Sir Keir mentioned.
“But had I known then what I know now, I’d have never appointed him.”
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4:02
‘Had I recognized then, what I do know now, I might have by no means appointed him’ Starmer mentioned.
Simply days earlier than Lord Mandelson was sacked, Angela Rayner resigned as deputy prime minister and housing secretary after admitting she didn’t pay sufficient tax on her second dwelling.
She additionally give up as deputy chief of the Labour Get together, an elected put up.
