URGENT: Starmer Aide Abruptly Resigns Amid Scandal Over Explicit Texts to Abbott

Breaking News: Starmer Aide Abruptly Resigns Amid Scandal Over Explicit Texts to Abbott Paul Ovenden, a senior aide to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, has resigned after explicit and offensive text messages surfaced. The messages, reported in the Daily Mail, were sent eight years ago during an online private conversation. The texts recount a conversation about veteran MP Diane Abbott, with Ovenden sharing colleagues' comments made during a game of Snog, Marry, Avoid. A spokesperson for Starmer called the messages "appalling and unacceptable," stating they have no place in politics. Ovenden was the director of political strategy and had been a press officer for the Labour party when the messages were sent. He has apologized for his actions, saying he is "truly, deeply sorry" for the hurt caused. The resignation comes as a shock to those close to Starmer's office, with many questioning how such behavior was allowed to go unchecked for so long. The scandal raises questions about the culture within Labour and whether more needs to be done to address abuse of power. This is a developing story, with further details expected to emerge in the coming hours. *This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Based on reporting from Bbc.*