Jared O’Mara told constituents that he was standing aside to get help with his problems

An MP has been accused by a junior member of his staff of waging a persistent campaign of sexual harassment that has left her feeling “intimidated and degraded”.

Jared O’Mara sent a series of messages to the 20-year-old woman, often late at night or early in the morning, in which he repeatedly declared his feelings for her and commented on her appearance.

She claims that he also regularly made “sexist, misogynistic and lewd comments” about other women including female politicians, creating an “increasingly toxic” environment in his office.

Mr O’Mara, 37, who represents Sheffield Hallam, said yesterday that he would be “taking time out” to receive professional help with “mental health and personal issues”. He has faced sustained criticism of his conduct since he won