my whirlpool awm321 is tripping the rcd out. ?

My awm321 started repeatedly tripped the rcd out. I have disconnected it and took rear cover off to see if there were any obvious issues and found nothing. I have run it with no water supply connected and it doen't trip out even with wet clothes in so I have discounted it being the motor. on closer inspection the wires that connect to the base of the drum, presumably to the element, were a little damp which leads me to suspect there may be a problem with the seal for the element.

I cant see an obvious way to remove the element to inspect it and the seal. Can anyone help? all advice welcome.