Labour accused of using Jimmy Savile’s name to ‘bait’ Nigel Farage

Jess Phillips, who has spent years supporting abuse survivors, was among the ministers criticised. Photograph: Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP

Labour’s use of Jimmy Savile’s “toxic” name appeared to be an attempt to “deliberately bait” Nigel Farage and would distress survivors of child sexual abuse, lawyers for victims of the late TV presenter has said.

Alan Collins, the head of the abuse team at Hugh James solicitors, said it was “concerning” to see Jess Phillips, the safeguarding minister, and others use Savile’s name to try to “score points over political opponents”.