Bodyguard accused of affair with Labour politician’s wife

ALAN Johnson’s ex-bodyguard is facing disciplinary action over allegations that he had an affair with the former shadow chancellor’s wife.

The episode led Mr Johnson to quit Labour’s front bench on Thursday night, forcing leader Ed Miliband to reshuffle his top team less than four months into the job.

Close protection officer Pc Paul Rice guarded Mr Johnson when he was home secretary. He is thought to have worked for Theresa May since she took over at the Home Office last May.

Mr Johnson has refused to elaborate on the “personal reasons” for his shock resignation.

In a statement, he said only that he was finding it “difficult to cope” with “personal issues in my private life”.

But responding to reports that Mr Johnson’s wife Laura had an affair with Mr Rice, a Scotland Yard spokesman said: “Certain matters regarding a Metropolitan Police Service Pc were referred to the directorate of professional standards.

“We are not in a position to discuss further at this time. No officer is suspended or relieved of duties at this time.”

Mr Johnson has been married to Laura, his second wife, for almost 20 years. The couple have a 10-year-old son.

His resignation left Mr Miliband facing his biggest test since being elected Labour leader, forcing him to reshuffle his shadow cabinet less than four months into the job.

He installed Ed Balls as shadow chancellor after overlooking him last October.

Challenged about his previous differences with Mr Miliband over aspects of Labour’s economic policy, Mr Balls stressed yesterday that he would be “carrying on” the direction already set.