Starmer aide resigns after explicit texts about Abbott surface2 hours ago Share Save Share SaveJeff Overs/ BBCPaul Ovenden, a senior aide to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, has resigned after offensive and sexual text messages came to light in which he recounted a conversation about veteran MP Diane Abbott. In a statement to ITV News, Mr Ovenden said he was "truly, deeply sorry for it and the hurt it will cause". In the messages, he recounted colleagues' comments made during a more explicit version of the game Snog, Marry, Avoid with graphic sexual imagery relating to Abbott. Abbott is the longest-serving female MP in Parliament, having represented the Hackney North and Stoke Newington constituency since 1987. "As an advisor, my duty is to protect the reputation of the prime minister and his government.