MP Joani Reid in submarine base conduct allegations

An MP who stepped back from Labour amidst a spying investigation was reported to authorities over drunkenness at a naval base, it is claimed.

Joani Reid temporarily gave up the Labour whip after her husband was arrested in a probe over espionage allegations.

She said she had no reason to suspect wrongdoing by partner David Taylor and had committed no such acts herself.

Now it has emerged that the East Kilbride and Strathaven MP was reported to parliamentary authorities over alleged inappropriate behaviour with a senior naval officer at HM Naval Base Clyde, home to the UK’s Trident fleet.

Reid is said to have been drunk and flirtatious with the officer, who has since stood down.

The incident, reported by The Times, is said to have happened last year and led to Reid’s withdrawal from the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme (AFPS). Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, a trustee of the AFPS, is said to have been informed alongside Labour whips. A source close to the MP said they were not in a relationship and have not spoken since.

Meanwhile, the FT reports that the captain of a navy submarine has stepped back from his duties after a separate inquiry into an alleged relationship with Reid.

Neither incident is understood to be related to the spying probe.

It is understood that the married captain was not found to have broken military rules and remains with the force, but action was taken to mitigate any risk of blackmail.

No comment has been made by Reid in relation to the claims.

The Royal Navy spokesman told the FT: “The security of the nuclear deterrent is our highest priority, and we have robust processes in place to protect the security of our people and capabilities. We will not comment on individual cases.” 

Taylor, who was suspended from the Labour Party, was amongst three men arrested under the National Security Act and denies spying for China. He has been released on bail.

After his arrest, Reid said: “As far as I am aware I have never met any Chinese businesses whilst I have been an MP, any Chinese diplomats or government employees, nor raised any concern with ministers or anyone else on behalf of, even coincidentally, Chinese interests.”

A source close to Reid told The Times: “Many of the male MPs attending had plenty to drink too but only the woman is reported. Not hard to see what the real force behind this is when you consider that.”