ST HELENS North MP Conor McGinn has left the Labour Party after withdrawing from what he called a "flawed and prejudicial process" following an unspecified complaint made against him.

The MP had his Labour Party membership administratively removed last year, pending an investigation after a complaint was lodged against him.

This triggered the automatic removal of the Labour whip, and he has sat as an independent MP in the House of Commons since while a Labour investigation has been taking place.

Mr McGinn has maintained throughout the past year that the complaint is unfounded and that there has not been any findings of wrongdoing.

When approached about the matter previously, the Labour Party said it cannot comment on individual cases because its disciplinary procedures are “independent and confidential”.

No details of the complaint he faced have ever been made public.

In May, Mr McGinn, who has held the seat since 2015, announced he would not seek re-election, citing a number of health problems, including a heart condition, that he has faced over the past year.

Previously, Mr McGinn had been a shadow minister without portfolio, and had played a key role in preparing Labour for the next general election as deputy national campaigns co-ordinator.

Tonight, in a statement the MP said he has withdrawn from the investigation which he called "a flawed, protracted and prejudicial process", which has necessitated in him leaving the Labour Party.

He will continue as an MP for St Helens North until the next General Election.

In a statement, Mr McGinn said: "I announced some months ago that I would be standing down from Parliament at the next General Election, to prioritise my health and family and take on new challenges after almost ten years an MP.

"I am continuing to work hard for every constituent in St Helens North with the same effort, the same integrity and the same values which have been delivering results since my first day in the job.

"Nearly a year ago, an unfounded complaint was made to the Labour Party and has sat in an unclear process since then. This has been very tough on my health and family, and it has gone on for too long.

"There is no finding of any wrongdoing against me in any respect, and I have always been very clear that I have done nothing wrong. I have also been clear that I won’t hesitate to take legal action where required to assert this and protect my good name.

"Following extensive legal advice, I have therefore withdrawn from what I believe is a flawed, protracted and prejudicial process. Regrettably, this has necessitated stepping aside from party membership.

"Anyone who knows me will understand this was not an easy decision."

He added: "I am very grateful for the ongoing support, friendship and loyalty of colleagues in the Parliamentary Labour Party and Shadow Cabinet, the Labour group and Cabinet at St Helens Council and, of course, the members and activists of my Constituency Labour Party.

"I look forward to supporting the new Labour candidate when they are selected to succeed me in St Helens North, and will work closely with them before handing over the reins as MP at the next General Election."

In response, a Labour spokesperson said: “The Labour Party treats all complaints with the utmost seriousness and takes action in response to every complaint.

"Complaints are assessed in accordance with our rules and procedures."

The selection process for the Labour candidate who will contest the next General Election is expected to begin in the coming weeks.