MPs accused of sex harassment won’t be named

‘Risk of malicious complaints’

MPS could be kicked out of Parliament for bullying or sexual harassment under new rules aimed at stamping out abuse.

But those accused of wrongdoing will be allowed to keep their anonymity during investigations amid concerns they could be victims of ‘malicious complaints’.

The sanction was among a string of ‘game-changing’ proposals included in a report published yesterday in response to a slew of allegations last year. A new Westminster code of conduct could also be drawn up setting out the behaviour expected of MPs, peers and their staff.

However, the anonymity measure sparked fury among alleged female victims who complained it would stop others coming forward. Leader of the Commons Andrea Leadsom said the new system would be independent of political parties and offer fairness to both victims and accused. Calling it a ‘game- changer for Parliament’, she said: ‘This is a major step in bringing about the culture change that Parliament needs.’

Mrs Leadsom, chairman of the working group behind the report, said MPs found to have bullied or abused staff would face ‘ real sanctions’. Although perpetrators could make a decision on whether to resign or retire, she said they ‘will and can be forced to do so – regardless of who they are and what their role is in this place’.

The cross- party report said urgent reform was needed to tackle a culture of harassment and bullying at Westminster. It found that one in five workers had experienced or witnessed abuse in the past year.

Measures also included an independent investigation system, a sexual violence adviser and a new complaints procedure involving confidential helplines.

Politicians will also have compulsory training sessions in understanding harassment. Standards committees in the Commons and Lords could trigger proceedings for recall of an MP or the expulsion of a peer.

The report warned that care must be taken to ensure that MPs’ reputations are not destroyed by false complaints. It noted there was a risk of ‘malicious and/or vexatious complaints’.

Shadow leader of the Commons Valerie Vaz welcomed the report as ‘an important first step’.

The Unite union, which represents many staff, said there needed to be formal union recognition for employees in small isolated offices where power relationships are ‘ frequently unhealthy and unequal’.

The report will be considered by MPs later this month.