[joeysteele]

That doesn't actually relate to the thread title, he didn't protect him, he just would not act on one persons word and waited to hear if the police investigations and subsequently the DPP decision as to the evidence and possible prosecution,before acting to have him suspended.
Once he had that info, he and the Labour party had him thrown out of the party.

That is not really protecting him as the thread title infers, just as with all party leaders who prefer to wait to get the full weight of evidence against someone in their party,before acting without that info.

It wasn't swift action taken as to the MPs letter about the issue.
It was however swift action taken once it was fully revealed both the police and DPP said there was evidence that would have taken this to court normally.