Exc: Labour war erupts over our story - with female Labour MPs attacking "misogyny" and "scapegoating" of Hollie Ridley, the party's general secretary. Lucy Powell, Labour's deputy leader, wrote in the Women's PLP WhatsApp group today in response to our story: "It's unacceptable to brief against colleagues at all, but to brief against staff who have no public platform to defend themselves is particularly bad". She adds: "I had hoped we were moving past this kind of behaviour." Stronger words from Siobhain McDonagh: "Hollie is doing a tough job in difficult circumstances. If we lose badly in May it is certainly not her fault. It's ours. I have been here before when ambitious politicians decide that the female General Secretary is fair game. It doesn't end well for anyone. If any[one] wants to leak this post please make sure you spell my name correctly! Siobhain McDonagh." Alex Davies-Jones, a minister, adds: "It's made me very angry... I thought we'd addressed the issue of briefing against women. It's disheartening and reeks of misogyny." Anna Turley, the Labour chair, writes: "Horrified by the piece. Hollie is one of the most impressive people I've ever worked with... She also organised an incredible campaign at G&D [Gorton and Denton] - it broke records for the mobilisation - and any shortcomings are not hers." Allison Gardner asks: "Are they setting her up to be the scapegoat" To which Ashley Dalton responds: "This has been on the cards for months. Fuming." Emily Darlington adds: "Funny that this is the only MP WhatsApp group that is upset at this..." Amanda Martin says: "Totally outrageous once again [to] try to lay blame at feet of a cracking woman." x.com/Geri_E_L_Scott…
