Questions over MP’s presence at controversial party

MIDLAND MP Nadhim Zahawi is under pressure after questions were raised about his attendance at a men-only charity dinner where it is claimed women were harassed and groped.

The Stratford-upon-Avon MP (pictured) attended the Presidents Club annual fundraiser at London’s Dorchester Hotel but left the event early.

Two undercover Financial Times journalists reported that waitresses were groped and propositioned by other guests at the event. The hostesses were allegedly told to wear black underwear and “sexy” black shoes for their shift.

Also at the event was David Meller, a non-executive director at the Department for Education and one of the trustees of the Presidents Club. He stepped down from his government role yesterday.

Birmingham MP Jess Phillips (Lab, Yardley) asked in the Commons whether Mr Zahawi, who is Minister for Children and Families in the Department for Education, had raised any concerns about the event and about Mr Meller’s attendance.

Ms Phillips said: “What happened was that women were bought as bait for men who were rich men, not a mile from where we stand, as if that was an acceptable behaviour. totally unacceptable.” Addressing Education Minister Anne Milton, Ms Phillips asked whether it had been appropriate for Mr Zahawi to attend. “Can I ask the Minister if she thinks that one of the junior minsters in that department attending this event is appropriate? Can I ask if that Minister, the Minister for Children and Families, raised concerns with the Department about David Meller and his conduct, after he had realised what as going on at the event?” she said. “And what is the Department going to do to make It is sure that a message is sent that this lads’ culture has no place in the Department for Education, and it has no place in our country?”

Education Minister Anne Milton said: “The reports of women being bought and sold are extraordinary.

“I think there is an association between rich, wealthy people and this sort of behaviour.”

Mr Zahawi reportedly left the event early “because he felt it was a bizarre and uncomfortable event”.

Items at last Thursday’s auction reportedly included lunch with Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, a trip to the Windmill strip club in Soho and plastic surgery “to spice up your wife”.