TORY MSP IN SEX PROBE
A TORY MSP is being investigated over sexual harassment claims.
Miles Briggs denies he made persistent unwanted
advances at a parliamentary social event, we can reveal.
Briggs is a close ally of party leader Ruth Davidson.
The Tories launched an internal inquiry in July after a female worker from another party raised a formal complaint about the February incident.
But the party have been criticised after they demanded the woman attend a private hearing where Briggs would be allowed to cross-examine her.
The woman, who we are calling Emily, has now said she will not take part in the hearing, which is due to take place at an Edinburgh hotel today.
Emily declined to take part on the advice of Rape Crisis Scotland chief executive Sandy Brindley, who has been representing her.
Tory officials had wanted to allow Briggs to cross-examine Emily directly but dropped this when Brindley raised concerns.
However, they insisted he would still be able to put questions to Emily through the chair of the hearing and would be allowed to question witnesses directly.
Brindley raised further concerns about the process, including Emily not being given the opportunity to hear Brigg’s version of events and the party’s refusal to reveal the gender balance of the investigating committee or whether any of its members were trained in dealing with sexual harassment cases.
In an email to the Tories seen by the Record, Brindley wrote: “I am concerned that the Conservative Party are following a quasi-judicial approach in this matter, which is not consistent with good practice in relation to investigating sexual harassment allegations.” She added: “(Emily) and the two witnesses are happy to answer any questions on their statements. However, I do not think requiring her to attend a hearing of this nature is appropriate.”
The Tories defended their procedures and said the hearing would go ahead with or without Emily and the two witnesses.
An email to Brindley from a Tory official said: “There are two very differing accounts of what happened on the evening in question, each account supported by various witnesses.
“Ultimately there will be issues of credibility and reliability which the committee will have to resolve.
“The committee do require to see the witnesses and test their position so that a view can be taken on which version of events is, on the balance of probabilities, correct.”
They added: “I can fully understand (Emily) might be anxious about giving evidence in the presence of Mr Briggs.
“If Mr Briggs is agreeable then I would be happy for him to sit out of the proceedings until after she has left the hearing.
“The other two witnesses should give their evidence in the presence of Mr Briggs.” Rape Crisis Scotland called for procedures to be “fair and transparent” to encourage alleged victims to come forward.
They added: “It can be particularly hard to speak out about or report what has happened when the person you are complaining about is in a position of power.”
Briggs said: “I completely refute these allegations and I will be happy to make a full statement after the disciplinary hearing has come to a conclusion.” ●The Rape Crisis Scotland hotline on 08088 01 03 02 offers support to anyone who needs to speak about sexual harassment or abuse, from 6pm to midnight.
I fear the party’s not being consistent with good practice SANDY BRINDLEY RAPE CRISIS SCOTLAND