Labour Suspends Bayo Alaba Over 2 Covid Loans, Launches Internal Probe

3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Aug 17

Bayo Alaba was suspended from Labour and had the whip withdrawn after he referred himself to the party over questions about repaying two government-backed Covid loans.
The Times reported the Southend East and Rochford MP tried to wind up a business before settling one bounce back loan; Companies House records show two winding-up attempts in March and August 2022 were blocked.
Alaba said he had not tried to avoid his financial obligations, admitted taking the loans, and believes they will be repaid in full by the end of this year.
Labour said the investigation does not at this stage imply wrongdoing, but the party expects high standards from elected representatives; Conservative minister Mike Wood said Alaba must answer the allegations.