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Veteran Tory activist suspended over sexual harassment allegations

A SENIOR Conservative Party campaigner accused of masturbating in front of a young activist has been suspended by the party.

Veteran activist Robert Winfield
Veteran activist Robert Winfield

Conservative HQ has confirmed that Robert Winfield, who was until recently the vice chair of the Yorkshire Conservatives Policy Forum (YCPF), has had his membership suspended.

They also claimed that he will now face an investigation into his conduct.

This latest crisis came as the Star broke the news of allegations made against Mr Winfield by young Tories who claimed that he consistently made young women who were active in the YCPF feel “continually objectified and uncomfortable.”

Over the weekend, young Conservatives took to social media to allege that Mr Winfield engaged in sexually inappropriate actions, which led to one activist calling him a “horror” for young women.

This included an alleged act of public masturbation where Tory staffer Elena Bunbury claimed that he had “[rubbed] his crotch over and over” with a “leering expression” while she spoke at a public meeting.

Over 200 Conservatives have signed a letter calling for an investigation into his behaviour, although Ms Bunbury claimed that a previous complaint was ignored by the party.

Mr Winfield has been the secretary, treasurer and honorary vice president of Leeds City Conservative Party.

A local source tells the Star that he has “friends in very high places” in the local Tory establishment.

A Conservative Party spokesperson said: “We take any allegations of this type incredibly seriously and are investigating this matter in line with our procedures.”

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