Karie Murphy, Jeremy Corbyn’s chief of staff, has consolidated his control over Labour to a level not seen since Tony Blair

Jeremy Corbyn’s most powerful aide dismissed an investigation into an ally accused of bullying and inappropriate behaviour towards young women, saying she would “have a word” instead.

Pete Willsman, 75, a veteran activist who is a friend of the Labour leader, was accused of persistently asking a young woman where she lived and whether she liked clubbing, and sending texts saying he was in his pyjamas.

However, he was allowed to continue sitting on Labour’s ruling body despite Corbyn’s team having full knowledge of the allegations.

Leaked emails show that Karie Murphy, the Labour leader’s chief of staff, told colleagues that Willsman, then a member of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), should be dealt with outside official processes. “I am happy to discuss this