Senior MP denies slapping woman colleague’s bottom
SPEAKER REJECTS BULLYING STAFF CLAIM
COMMONS Speaker John Bercow last night faced down a dramatic challenge to his authority as an inquiry was promised into alleged bullying of parliamentary staff.
Leader of the House Andrea Leadsom told the Commons that the latest claims about bullying and harassment of House staff by MPs were “a huge concern”.
Mr Bercow denies he shouted at and undermined his former private secretary Kate Emms.
She had worked for him in 2010 and 2011 until she was eventually signed off sick. Two other MPs accused by BBC Two’s Newsnight of bullying House staff – Labour’s Paul Farrelly and Conservative Mark Pritchard – also deny the allegations.
Mr Bercow granted an MP’s request for an emergency statement in the Commons on the treatment of staff employed by Parliament, and as usual he chaired proceedings yesterday.
Several MPs praised his record on accountability and modernisation. alleged victim had since confirmed the details.
Mr Turner denied impropriety and said he had not received any complaints.
One witness said by others to have challenged the politician said he had not seen Mr Turner slap the woman’s behind.
Mr Turner added last night: “I am aware of reports in the media about my alleged inappropriate behaviour.
“I strongly reject any suggestion that I behaved inappropriately or in a misogynistic manner.”
A Labour Party spokesman said yesterday: “The party takes all complaints of sexual harassment, abuse and discrimination extremely seriously.
“We ask that anyone with a complaint comes forward so that allegations can be investigated fully and any appropriate disciplinary action taken in line with the party’s rule book and procedures.”