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Laura Murray previously worked in Jeremy Corbyn’s office
A member of Jeremy Corbyn’s staff has been made Labour’s head of complaints, amid an ongoing anti-Semitism row.
Laura Murray had previously been criticised for intervening in anti-Semitism inquiries led by party staff.
The BBC has seen internal emails from last year in which Ms Murray offered her opinion on the handling of cases.
A leader’s office spokesman said any involvement had been a temporary arrangement while a new general secretary took up her post.
Labour has struggled to contain a long-running row over anti-Semitism. In February, it was reported that the party had received 673 complaints in 10 months alleging acts of anti-Semitism by its members.
The key role of head of complaints was advertised in March, with candidates given three days to apply.
Veteran Labour MP Dame Margaret Hodge – who has passed allegations of anti-Semitism to party officials for investigation – has called for a new, independent complaints process.
An outspoken critic of the Labour leadership’s handling of anti-Semitism, Dame Margaret said Ms Murray’s appointment was the result of a “bogus hiring process”.
However, some campaigners against anti-Semitism have defended Ms Murray, who worked on Mr Corbyn’s leadership campaign and is the daughter of Mr Corbyn’s aide Andrew Murray.
Jon Lansman, from the left-wing group Momentum, has said that Ms Murray has done more than anyone he knows to tackle anti-Semitism in the party.
