Labour chiefs have called in police as part of an inquiry into claims party HQ staff worked secretly for a Tory election victory.
A probe was ordered by new Labour leader Keir Starmer and approved by an emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee last week.
Death threats and abuse against staff involved have been reported and police called as the wide-ranging probe gets under way.
A full-scale operation has been mounted to shut down distribution of a leaked report alleging that senior campaign managers were part of a clandestine group trying to stop Jeremy Corbyn becoming PM.
A report has been filed with the Information Commissioner’s Office while an internal investigation is looking at a “serious” data breach via WhatsApp messages and email.
Party officials have also contacted social media companies to take down any copies of the report still online and local parties told not to share it.
Crucially, the NEC decided to prioritise the claims made in the report over the circumstances of how it was leaked.
An NEC member confirmed it was decided to refer the matter to the police, who will be updated on the party’s findings.
The inquiry has been fast-tracked to conclude in mid-July. There is speculation it may be headed by Lord Larry Whitty, who was party general secretary under Neil Kinnock.
