Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
‘Party politics interfering’ over rape claim Tory ex-minister
Suspend MP, urge unions Accuser’s plea to ID him
PRESSURE is mounting to suspend a senior Tory MP accused of rape amid claims “party politics is still interfering in justice”.
Trade unions and women’s charities accused the Government of “minimising violence against women and girls” by allowing the ex-minister to keep the Tory whip and to remain in Parliament.
More than two years on from the Westminster sexual harassment scandal, the group said it was “deeply concerning” that abuse was still occurring.
A joint statement was issued by the TUC, Centenary Action Group, the Fawcett Society, Women’s Aid and unions representing parliamentary staff.
The group said: “Given the seriousness of the allegations we’re calling on Parliament to suspend the MP, pending a full investigation. The Commons should be no different from any other workplace.”
The politician, in his 50s, was arrested on Saturday after the woman alleged she had been assaulted four times.
The MP has been released on bail and denies the allegations.
Tory Chief Whip Mark Spencer has said he did not want to risk identifying the victim.
According to the Telegraph, the alleged victim told a friend that was “rubbish”, adding: “I didn’t work for this MP and have lifelong anonymity.”
A Conservative Party spokesman said: “We take any complaint incredibly seriously.”
A spokesman on behalf of the Whips’ Office said: “Any action taken will be decided once the [police] investigation has been concluded.”