Booze and stress could be reason Tory watched porn in Commons, minister suggests

28 April 2022, 11:02

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has suggested the culture in Westminster could have contributed to a Tory MP allegedly watching pornography in the Commons.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has suggested the culture in Westminster could have contributed to a Tory MP allegedly watching pornography in the Commons. Picture: Alamy/LBC

By Sophie Barnett

The "long hours and alcohol" and the culture in Westminster may have contributed to a Tory MP allegedly watching porn in the House of Commons, a minister has suggested.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said there is "no place for pornography in any workplace" following claims a male Tory frontbencher was caught watching the adult videos next to a female minister in the House of Commons.

He told LBC's Nick Ferrari at Breakfast he would support the whip being removed from the Tory MP, if the "unacceptable" claims are found to be true.

He also appeared to suggest the inexcusable behaviour was down to the culture of the Commons, such as the late nights and drinking.

“We all know what happens when you mix long hours, drink and pressure environments," he said.

"I think it's really important that we think about ways to change the culture in the House of Commons."

Read more: Male Tory frontbencher 'caught watching porn in Commons' next to female minister

Defence Sec: People shouldn't be watching porn at work

He added to Sky News that there is a "range of allegations that go right across the House, go right across the parties".

"This is a problem, I think, about the overall culture of the House of Commons," he said.

"It is late sitting, long nights with bars, and that very often leads, and it has done for decades, to behavioural challenges and problems…"

Asked by LBC's Nick Ferrari at Breakfast if the Tory frontbencher should lose the whip, Mr Wallace said: "Withdrawing the whip is a certain possibility.

"It would be something I would support, he loses the whip, if that is the case. But let's see how the facts develop in the investigation."

The bombshell claims were made by a female Tory at a meeting of her fellow MPs on Tuesday evening, with former PM Theresa May watching on "with a face like thunder".

Read more: Commons staff banned from using 'offensive' language including 'ladies and gentlemen'

Read more: Armchair eco mob! Cops look on as protesters smash up M25 petrol pumps

Labour MP says sexism and misogyny are rife in Parliament

Conservative chief whip Chris Heaton-Harris has launched an investigation into the reports.

Mr Wallace said he would support the MP losing the whip if the claims are true.

He said he could even face a recall petition in his constituency or be suspended from Parliament "if the Commons authorities feel it is egregious enough".

"It's unacceptable," Mr Wallace said.

"Partly because they are paid to do a job of being an MP and represent their constituents, but partly because it caused offence to people sitting next to them."

It comes amid a sexism row in Parliament, after Labour's deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner was accused of trying to distract Boris Johnson in the Commons by crossing and uncrossing her legs.

The Mail on Sunday report sparked outrage across the political spectrum, with Ms Rayner slamming the "lies" being briefed about her.

The Prime Minister condemned the sexism and pledged to "unleash the terrors of the earth" on the MP who made the claim.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

GPs will be told to stop giving sick notes to sign people off work.

GPs told to stop handing out sick notes and start sending people to job coaches and gyms

A TUI plane destined for Gatwick was diverted to an airport in Maine, US.

Brits stranded in 'war zone' conditions for 12 hours as TUI plane diverts mid-flight due to 'smoking'

The charred remains of Grenfell Tower, Notting Hill, London, Britain. The 24 storey residential Tower block was engulfed in flames in the summer of 2017.

Grenfell families accuse government of ‘shameless betrayal’ over pause on investigation into 'implicated' firms

John Lacey, 42, was sentenced to 14-months imprisonment.

Thug, 42, jailed for punching pregnant girlfriend in stomach in attack that 'changed victim forever'

Morgan Gibbs-White is set to join Tottenham

Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White set to join Tottenham in £60m transfer

Empty shop with To Let sign in central West London.

London store closures hit 10-year high - as government urged to invest £5bn to save UK's high-streets

Liverpool Women v Aston Villa Women - Pre Season Friendly

Arsenal close to record-breaking £1m signing of Liverpool’s Olivia Smith in landmark deal

Blue Stevens was stabbed to death in Knightsbridge after 'standing up to someone who was trying to steal his watch'

'I can't stop crying': Heartbroken mum of man stabbed to death outside five-star hotel 'for his Rolex' pays tribute

'Birkin' bag by Hermes which belonged to British-French actress and singer Jane Birkin

Original Hermes Birkin bag which belonged to actress Jane Birkin sells for £8.6 million

Parts of an Air India plane that crashed on Thursday are seen on top of a building in Ahmedabad, India, Friday, June 13, 2025.

Investigators look into Air India's vital engine switches after plane crash killed 270 people

Sean O'Meara

Four suspicious devices found where police shot chainsaw-wielding man in gas mask

Distressing footage Body worn footage shows PC Lydia Ward being comforted by colleagues as she is bleeding from the nose after she tried to arrest an assault suspect at Manchester Airport.

Shocking clip shows cop with bloodied nose crying after Manchester Airport brawl as bodycam footage shown to jury

A neurosurgeon pointing towards a computer as they analyse a patient MRI Scan at a brain surgery clinic.

Air pollution exposure increases risk of common brain tumour, study suggests

Frank Barrie

EastEnders star and theatre legend Frank Barrie dead at 88 - as family pays tribute

PC Luke Holden PCSO Tim Parry Sgt Greg Gillespie

'I saw the look in his eyes': Hero officers open up about moment they came face-to-face with Southport killer

Exclusive
Screen grab of Leader of the House of Commons, Lucy Powell, speaking in the chamber during the debate on draft legislation giving the Government 'the power to direct steel companies in England' to protect British Steel's Scunthorpe plant.

Commons leader 'vows to fix broken system' after LBC investigation 'shines light' on SEN parents' cease & desist letters