House of Commons bullying claims: One woman’s story

MPs are set to debate a major report into bullying and sexual harassment in the House of Commons. But one junior member of staff, who says she has experienced just such a culture within Westminster, has little confidence that anything … Continue reading →

MPs face sack for taking prostitutes to parliament

MPs who bring prostitutes into parliament will face the sack under Westminster’s first code of conduct which lays down rules for politicians to follow. The behaviour guidelines, introduced after a sex harassment scandal in parliament, ban MPs from paying for … Continue reading →

Jo Swinson on the struggle for gender equality and why sexism has to end

Former women and equalities minister Jo Swinson is at the forefront of the battle to bring an end to gender inequality. She talks to Chris Bond. In years to come, 2017 may well come to be seen as a watershed … Continue reading →

Labour steps up harassment investigation into MPs Lewis and Hopkins

Labour has stepped up its investigations into two MPs accused of sexual harassment. The cases of Ivan Lewis and Kelvin Hopkins have both been referred to an internal disciplinary committee. Mr Lewis said he would “co-operate fully,” while Mr Hopkins … Continue reading →

MPs say plans to tackle Westminster sex assault claims ‘too vague’

MPs say plans to tackle Westminster sex assault claims ‘too vague’ Campaigners warn it could be months before proposals are finalised, which could leave party whips with too much power Proposals to tackle sexual harassment and assault in Westminster have … Continue reading →

Labour accused of delaying Commons harassment report

The Conservatives and Labour were involved in a row last night over plans to introduce tough sanctions to combat sexual harassment and bullying in parliament. In a sign that the fragile cross-party consensus on how to tackle the issue could … Continue reading →

‘No 10 knew’ of Damian Green claims in 2016, claims Kate Maltby

Kate Maltby, who claims Damian Green made inappropriate advances to her, says she told a senior Downing Street aide about his behaviour in 2016. The MP, who denies the claims, was sacked from the cabinet on Wednesday. This came after … Continue reading →

Damian Green sacked from cabinet after breaching ministerial code

Damian Green, one of Theresa May’s closest allies, has been sacked from the cabinet after an inquiry found he had breached the ministerial code. He was “asked for quit” after he was found to have made “inaccurate and misleading” statements … Continue reading →

New powers for watchdog in crackdown on Westminster sleaze

MPs accused of sexual misconduct face further scrutiny as the parliamentary watchdog is given new powers, senior Commons figures will announce. The role of Kathryn Hudson, the parliamentary standards commissioner, will be expanded after cross-party talks led by Andrea Leadsom … Continue reading →

At Westminster, those accused of abuse still walk among us

At Westminster, those accused of abuse still walk among us Jess Phillips It seems that nothing has changed since the sexual harassment scandal broke The voting lobbies in Westminster are crowded. MPs pour in to them from the three available … Continue reading →