Swalwell campaign in turmoil

The allegations were first detailed in a report by the San Francisco Chronicle, where a former staffer accused Swalwell of assaulting her on two occasions.

Swalwell has issued a full-throated denial, describing the claims as 'flat false' and vowing to continue his bid for the governorship.

However, the political fallout has been immediate, with several key staffers resigning and financial backers suspending their contributions.

The controversy has significantly altered the landscape of the Democratic primary in California, where Swalwell was previously considered a frontrunner.