May: Report sex-pest MPs to police
THERESA May yesterday urged Westminster sex pest victims to contact the appropriate authorities after what she dubbed “deeply concerning” allegations against politicians, including Cabinet ministers.
The Prime Minister’s aides also indicated that any ministers found to have been making unwanted advances could expect to be fired.
Her intervention came after a report that female researchers and aides were using a mobile phone messaging group to protect themselves from male MPs’ and ministers’ lecherous behaviour.
The messages allegedly named male MPs and carried warnings about them such as “very handsy”, “not safe in taxis” and “don’t get in the lift with”.
Complaints include claims that a Cabinet minister “groped” people at a drinks party, that a Labour MP had molested a woman on a foreign trip and that a Tory grandee had been banned from hiring “leggy” women.
Allegations about inappropriate and upsetting behaviour towards female staff and colleagues have reportedly been levelled at serving and former Cabinet ministers, senior Tory and Labour frontbenchers, peers and Government aides.
Bullying
A Number 10 spokeswoman said she was not aware of any allegations having been formally reported.
She added: “Any reports of sexual harassment are deeply concerning. Any allegations that may come to light will be taken extremely seriously and we would advise people to contact the police if there is such an allegation.”
Asked if Mrs May would sack a minister if found guilty of such behaviour, the spokeswoman said: “She would take it extremely seriously and serious action would be taken where it’s necessary.”
Parliamentary authorities have a limited ability to intervene in issues like harassment or bullying because staff are employed directly by MPs, who are deemed self-employed.
However, a House of Commons spokesman said MPs do get advice on good employment practice and there is a 24-hour confidential helpline for their staff.
“The House of Commons takes the welfare of everyone who works in Parliament very seriously,” the spokesman added.
Max Freedman, of the Unite union’s parliamentary branch, said there should be a comprehensive complaints procedure.
MPs, he said, “are not given proper training. There is no oversight of what they do. You get some very good employers and you get some really bad ones”.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn told LBC radio that there must be a proper system for people, particularly women, to report any abuse. His party, he said, had one for employees and members.
He denied his party dragged its feet over allegations against MP Jared O’Mara, who was this week suspended by Labour while it investigates alleged misogynistic and homophobic comments.
The BBC is investigating a male radio presenter over allegations that he groped at least eight female colleagues over six years, it was claimed yesterday.
The sexual harassment inquiry followed four of the women reporting him to senior bosses last week and calling for him to be fired.
His typical method was allegedly to approach women from behind and put his hand up their skirts.
A report last year into the Jimmy Savile saga – when it emerged the DJ’s vile abuse at the BBC went unchallenged – said a culture of fear continued at the organisation.
The BBC was said to have confronted the man and to have urged his alleged victims to contact the police. He has appeared on air many times since the complaints.
A Corporation spokesman said: “We can’t comment on individuals but treat any allegations seriously and have processes in place for investigating them.”