Scunthorpe UKIP man suspended over harassment complaint

Misconduct charges have been served against barrister Stephen Howd, who is based in Leeds

The UKIP prospective parliamentary candidate for Scunthorpe has been suspended by the party after a complaint of harassment was made against him at work.

Stephen Howd, 49, from Hook, East Yorkshire, is a Leeds-based barrister.

The Bar Standards Board, which regulates barristers, said misconduct charges had been served against him.

In a statement, Mr Howd said he contested the allegations. UKIP said an investigation was under way.

"Allegations of harassment have been made against me. The allegations are contested.

"They are now the subject of tribunal proceedings and as such the matter is sub judice and it would not be appropriate for me to make any further comment," said Mr Howd.

A spokesperson for the BSB said: "We can confirm a complaint has been received about Mr Howd and that charges have been served in relation to this. We cannot comment further at this point."

A party spokesman said: "UKIP has suspended Stephen Howd whilst an investigation takes place into an alleged incident at his workplace."

Mr Howd was the Conservative Party prospective parliamentary candidate for Cleethorpes in the 2001 general election.