Suspended ex-MP announces Labour Party return
Getty ImagesFormer MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle has announced he is returning to the Labour Party after a complaint led to his suspension last year.
The party suspended Russell-Moyle, an MP for Brighton Kemptown, in May 2024 after a complaint about his behaviour eight years prior, which he denied.
He said at the time he believed it a "vexatious and politically-motivated complaint" and that he would be exonerated.
A spokesperson for the Labour Party said it took all complaints "extremely seriously" and they were fully investigated in line with its rules and procedures.
Russell-Moyle said in a statement: "This complaint has had a deep and lasting impact on me and my health, but with this ordeal now over, I am looking forward to putting this year behind me with my reputation restored and my head held high.
"I want to say thank you to all those who helped me get through this horrid year."
The BBC understands the Labour Party investigated the complaint and determined there was insufficient evidence and no further action would be taken.
His suspension meant he was unable to stand for re-election when the UK went to the polls last July.
Former Labour staffer Chris Ward was brought in as a Kemptown candidate instead.
Russell-Moyle said: "I genuinely felt that my work was beginning to help shape the potential Labour government's stance on housing, energy, and climate issues, as well as scrutinising the Cabinet Office and constitutional matters.
"We were making steady progress. I am disappointed not to have been able to continue this important work."
The BBC understands that during his suspension Russell-Moyle was given a formal warning for breaching the party's code of conduct on confidentiality.
When asked about this, he said he had been reminded not to comment on details of disciplinary processes and had no further comment to make.
He said he would now be looking for a new career which would allow him to continue contributing to society.
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