Jewish Labour MPs have warned general secretary Jennie Formby against making "political appointments" within the party's complaints department following claims that members of Jeremy Corbyn’s inner circle have become involved in disciplinary cases.
Ms Formby was repeatedly quizzed by MPs on Monday evening about a report in the Observer which suggested Labour's disciplinary process, including hundreds of antisemitism cases, had been subjected to interference from those close to the leader.
Speculation was rife ahead of the weekly Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) meeting that head of compliance Thomas Gardiner had left his job on Monday - and that Laura Murray, daughter of Mr Corbyn's close adviser Andrew, was being moved into a role dealing with complaints.
Dame Margret Hodge told the JC that while Ms Formby had not had confirmed appointments or changes in the party's Compliance Unit, some MPs had quizzed her about the issue.
Dame Margaret said: "We asked whether anybody from the leader's office had been involved in looking at papers ahead of disciplinary cases being heard.
"Jennie insisted she had put a stop to that when she started her job.
"But if you are now trying to build trust you should avoid making what could be seen as political appointments in the department that looks after upcoming cases."
Her colleague Dame Louise Ellman MP added: "The problem the party is facing over antisemitism is a political one. I would not want political friends appointed who might find it impossible to discipline someone who is part of their group."
Ruth Smeeth MP said later on Monday that the possible appointment of Ms Murray would be an "extraordinary" decision.
There was also concern that when Ms Formby was quizzed about future antisemtism training sessions for party members there was no mention of involvement for the Jewish Labour Movement.
Dame Margaret said she was "hugely concerned" about JLM's future involvement with the party, stressing it had been affiliated to Labour "for longer than some trade unions."
Speaking ahead of JLM meetings in London and Manchester on Wednesday to discuss members' attitude to remaining part of Mr Corbyn's Labour, Dame Louise said she believed the group's role was "probably more important than ever."
But she understood why some would wish to walk away from the party now.
Ms Formby admitted at the PLP meeting that she was "worried" by the decision taken by some local Labour branches to pass motions in support of suspended Chris Williamson last week.
But Dame Margaret and Dame Louise were angered that the general secretary clearly failed to recognise antisemtism on the left as a major problem, continuing to talk about it on the "right wing."
Saying she wanted to write to all Labour members next week to "remind them of their contract with the party", Ms Formby also stressed the need for more training locally.
Dame Margaret said: “She talked vaguely about sending letters or a bit of training but, if we’re serious about antisemitism, you expect action”.
