Bradford West MP Marsha Singh accused one of his former staff members of being "vicious" and "bullying" at an employment tribunal today.

He made his comments as he cross-examined Bradford Councillor Lynne Smith, who is claiming sexual discrimination and unfair dismissal against him, after losing her job as his office manager.

Mr Singh cited an example of when he had spoken to the Telegraph & Argus about a story without consulting her, she had burst in to his office with the story and insisted that he had to go through her before speaking to the press.

Coun Smith, who is Bradford Council's Labour group's assistant chief whip, is also claiming more than £7,000 in unlawful deductions from wages against the Labour MP.

Coun Smith, who worked as office manager from May last year to January this year, claims their relationship soured when Mr Singh made a U-turn in supporting her in disciplining a colleague, case worker Adrian Longthorn.

Mr Singh said the situation with Mr Longthorn, who had been suspended, had "emotionally, financially and politically" affected him and said he had expected Coun Smith's support in reinstating Mr Longthorn. He said: "It was my office, my job and my neck on the line."

He told the hearing that his was one of the busiest MP offices in the country and that he had become the subject of "community gossip" and people were plotting against him.

But Coun Smith told the panel it was Mr Longthorn who was part of his political problem as he had allegedly asked a community leader whether he would support another candidate for Bradford West.

She also claimed Mr Singh had told her she could sack Mr Longthorn after this year's council elections.

On January 20 this year, Mr Singh said he told Coun Smith Mr Longthorn would be reinstated and she told him she could not work under the same roof as him.

He asked whether she would consider taking up her former part-time position of research and press officer, working from home, but she declined.

He said they shook hands and he said goodbye and that she was given a leaving card and present.

Coun Smith denies that she resigned and said it was obvious she was working from home over the weekend and would then be getting a sick note.

Part-time case worker for Mr Singh, Yasmin Begum confirmed she had bought Coun Smith a plant with a "get well soon" card which had been signed by her and another colleague.

She added she found Mr Longthorn intimidating and said he often swore at her. On one occasion he told her Mr Singh was his "drinking buddy".

Councillor Ralph Berry (Lab, Wibsey), giving evidence on behalf of Coun Smith, said he had always found Mr Longthorn "difficult".

The case continues.