A Labour MP has had the party whip suspended following allegations of sexual harassment.

Geraint Davies, the MP for Swansea West since 2010, has been accused of subjecting five younger female colleagues to unwanted physical and verbal sexual attention.

Labour confirmed Mr Davies had lost the whip pending an internal investigation after the claims were published by the website Politico.

The allegations, which he denies, include that he touched two female MPs inappropriately, while a former parliamentary official accused him of repeatedly commenting on her appearance.

A Labour spokesperson said: “These are incredibly serious allegations of completely unacceptable behaviour.

“We strongly encourage anyone with a complaint to come forward to the Labour party’s investigation.

“Any complainant will have access to an independent support service who provide confidential and independent guidance and advice from external experts throughout the process.”

In a statement issued to Politico, Mr Davies said: “I don’t recognise the allegations suggested and do not know who has made them. None of them, as far as I know, has been lodged as complaints with the Labour Party or parliament.

“If I have inadvertently caused offence to anyone, then I am naturally sorry as it is important that we share an environment of mutual and equal respect for all.”

This is a breaking news story. More to follow.