Rotherham abuse whistleblower reportedly resigns from Labour Party over alleged “malicious and vexatious investigations”

A resignation statement understood to be from Mrs Senior says she has been the subject of “ceaseless harassment and intimidation”.

The statement is being shared widely on social media. However, Mrs Senior has not yet commented on the matter publicly. She has been contacted for comment and has not yet replied.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service understands that the Labour Party believe the statement to be genuine.

In addition, Rotherham Council leader Chris Read said he is “sorry that Jayne has decided to leave the Labour Party.”

Mrs Senior, who was awarded an MBE in 2016 for her work exposing authoritie’s failures to tackle the CSE scandal in Rotherham.

She was elected as councillor in the same year, but was later criticised for “letting down victims” when she was the chief executive Swinton Lock Activity Centre.

A 2019 report found that complainants alleged they had not given permission for their abuse to be included in Mrs Senior’s autobiography.

In her statement dated March 9 Mrs Senior wrote: “Today I resigned from the Labour Party.

“Since shortly after my election as a Labour Councillor in May 2016, I have been the subject of ceaseless harassment and intimidation.

“There has been a systematic and longstanding campaign to undermine me as a person, as a Labour councillor and as a long-standing member and supporter of the Labour Party.

“Since August 2016, if not before, I have been the target of malicious and vexatious investigations and data breaches which have compromised my personal security and those of family and have made us feel very unsafe.

“During this period of time I have repeatedly asked but received no support from the leader of the council and this has led me to feel that I have no alternative but to resign from the Labour Party.

“I can confirm that I will continue as councillor, to represent the good people of Rotherham who put their faith in me in 2016, until the local elections for a new council.”

Councillor Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Council said: “Jayne’s contribution over the last decade has fundamentally changed Rotherham Council for the better. She has helped us create a local authority that stands up for the victims of child sexual exploitation.

“I am sorry that Jayne has decided to leave the Labour Party in her final weeks as a councillor. We wish her well for the future.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.