Rachel Reeves's new business adviser is embroiled in an ongoing criminal investigation. The investigation concerns alleged vote-rigging during the MP selection process for the newly created Croydon East constituency.

Pearleen Sangha was Labour’s London regional director when the voting process was suspended. It's alleged that contact details of members were changed, including phone numbers and email addresses. Some phone numbers were out by a single digit while some fake email addresses were logged. This meant some candidates were unable to reach key voters.

As reported by The Telegraph, Labour admitted that some of the details had been changed without permission. However, it has now been revealed that the Met Police have launched an investigation, passing a file to the Crown Prosecution Service.

While there is no suggestion Ms Sangha, who is a close ally of No10 chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, is personally being investigated by Scotland Yard, she was Labour's regional director in London during the selection process.

She played a direct role in selecting two people to help run the race and decide who can attend hustings. Some sources have also described how Ms Sangha was closely involved in London selections.

Ms Sangha was brought into the Treasury as the Chancellor's business engagement lead. This is officially a Civil Service position rather than a political one.

A CPS spokesman said: "We have received a file of evidence from the Metropolitan Police Service in relation to the Labour Party selection process for a candidate to represent the Croydon East constituency."

A Met spokesman added: "We have received allegations of computer misuse in relation to an internal selection process for a political party in Croydon during October and November 2023. The Met’s cybercrime team are investigating and inquiries are on-going."

A Treasury spokesman said: "This is a civil service role, and all the correct rules and processes were followed when making this appointment."