'Zero tolerance' approach needed amid reports of ministers' sexual misconduct, MP insists

23 April 2022, 22:04 | Updated: 24 April 2022, 22:58

Tulip Siddiq spoke out as multiple MPs face allegations of misconduct
Tulip Siddiq spoke out as multiple MPs face allegations of misconduct. Picture: Alamy

By Patrick Grafton-Green

Labour MP Tulip Siddiq has insisted there should be a "zero tolerance" approach to MPs' behaviour after reports three cabinet ministers and two shadow cabinet ministers are facing allegations of sexual misconduct.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

The members of Boris Johnson and Sir Keir Starmer's teams have been referred to the new parliamentary watchdog set up amid the #MeToo scandal, The Sunday Times reported.

Ms Siddiq told LBC's Swarbrick on Sunday she was concerned that "more and more MPs are being accused of misconduct", adding "I very much worry about the reputation of Parliament and Westminster."

"For me it's not about who it is from which party, if it's someone from my party and they've engaged in sexual misconduct there should be a zero tolerance approach and I think all MPs should be saying that," she said.

In total 70 separate complaints involving 56 MPs have been reported to the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS) since it was established in 2018.

READ MORE: Rees-Mogg criticised over 'demeaning' notes left for WFH civil servants

READ MORE: Nadine Dorries slams critics for mocking her dyslexia after TikTok gaffe

The Sunday Times said allegations range from making sexually inappropriate comments to more serious wrongdoing, including an allegation that an MP bribed a member of staff in return for sexual favours.

It comes after Conservative MP Imran Ahmad Khan quit last week after he was convicted of sexually assaulting a teenage boy before he was elected.

Another Tory MP, David Warburton, had the whip suspended earlier this month amid allegations of sexual harassment.

Two women had reportedly made formal complaints about Mr Warburton's behaviour to the ICGS, and a third woman had also made allegations about his conduct.

A union representing senior civil servants said more needs to be done to stamp out harassment in Parliament.

Dave Penman, general secretary of the FDA union, said: "While some of the procedures for raising complaints have improved, the fundamental balance of power between MPs and the staff they employ has not.

"Where that exists it will inevitably be exploited, either by those who do not have the skills to manage staff effectively, or those with more malevolent intent.

"It can come as no surprise, therefore, that if the circumstances that allowed bullying and harassment to flourish have not changed fundamentally.

"Parliamentary authorities need to address the fundamental causes of bullying and harassment, rather than simply rely on an enforcement mechanism that only protects those who feel able to raise complaints."

'It's such a disgraceful story, I'm astonished they even printed it.'

Mr Penman said that meant "looking again at the employment relationship between MPs and the staff", with a view to reforming the model of having 650 individual employers.

He said authorities should instead consider establishing a new employment model that "will help protect staff whilst maintaining the level of service that MPs need to support their vital work".

A government spokesperson said: "We take all allegations of this nature incredibly seriously and would encourage anyone with any allegations to come forward to the relevant authorities."

Downing Street and Labour said they were unable to comment.

The ICGS was set up as an independent process with cross-party backing after the so-called Pestminster scandal, which shone a spotlight on sexual harassment in the rooms and corridors of power.

It operates a hotline allowing those who work in Westminster to ring in to lodge a complaint or seek advice.

It exists to allow workers to report experiences of bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct. They can also report having been witness to, or aware of, such behaviour.

In a statement on its website, Jo Willows, director of the ICGS, said the service is an "important step forward in tackling inappropriate behaviour in our workplace".

Allegations made to the ICGS are private and confidential and political parties are not given information about who has been reported.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Breaking
Breaking News

UK inflation rate rises to 3.5% in year to April - driven by sharp rises in household bills

Lewis Jack

'Never be forgotten': Scottish tourist, 22, found dead in Australia after vanishing near popular tourist beach

This photo taken with a mobile phone shows a damaged school bus at the explosion site in southwest Pakistan's Khuzdar on Jan. 26, 2025.

Suicide car bomb rams into school bus in Pakistan, killing four children and injuring 38 in ‘terrorist attack'

Exclusive
Dame Vera Baird

Women who commit 'minor crimes' should have criminal records wiped, former victims' commissioner tells LBC

A vaccine for gonorrhoea will be rolled out in England as part of a world-first programme, officials have announced.

'Landmark moment': First-ever gonorrhoea vaccination campaign begins in England amid drug-resistance fears

University of Bristol physics student Natasha Abrahart, 20, was found dead in her flat in April 2018.

Bereaved families of university students ‘excluded’ from suicide review process

colored x-rays of cerebral cortex cerebellum human brain MRI

‘Game changer’ brain tumour test set to improve care for patients

People queueing at ePassprt gates, Manchester airport

Britons will be denied use of e-gates across EU until October at earliest despite Brexit reset deal

Hannah has given fans a glimpse into her new life

Hannah Spearritt gives fans glimpse into life after S Club 7 as she becomes 'survivalist and prepper' in American jungle

A 'professional group of travelling burglars' broke into Newcastle striker Alexander Isak's home and stole his car, jewellery worth £68,000 and up to £10,000 in cash, a court has heard.

Alexander Isak shares emotional statement as family of 'professional burglars' who targeted his home are jailed

At least three dead and two missing after 'violent' thunderstorms trigger heavy flooding in French Riviera

At least three dead and two missing after 'violent' thunderstorms trigger heavy flooding in French Riviera

George Wendt

Tributes pour in after Cheers icon George Wendt, best known for his role as Norm Peterson, dies aged 76

A British Bulldog Sat on a Union Jack Rug

British bulldog considered a 'status symbol' as pet becomes Britain's most expensive dog breed

A spokesperson for the British actor said on Tuesday that the screen legend died from heart failure

Coronation Street and Doctor Who star Michael McStay dies aged 92

The Home Office UK Visas & Immigration Office at Lunar House in Croydon, London, UK.

Iraqi asylum seeker avoids deportation after asking for 'time to make up a reason' to stay

Sean 'Diddy' Combs is on trial for sex trafficking.

Sean 'Diddy' Combs 'threatened to release two sex tapes' of ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, trial hears