MSPs’ abuse probe ‘must be independent’
‘We must share best practice’
HARASSMENT and bullying cases involving MSPs should be probed by an independent complaints system and not by the main parties, according to the Leader of the House of Commons.
Andrea Leadsom has urged Holyrood officials to consider an independent system after concerns about MSPs being judged by party colleagues.
Her comments come after an internal investigation ordered by the SNP concluded that former childcare minister Mark McDonald exploited his posi- tion and caused distress to women by sending inappropriate messages.
The Aberdeen Donside MSP resigned from the SNP when told the findings but has clung on to his £62,000-a-year job by remaining an independent.
Mrs Leadsom shared her ideas about responding to harassment with Holyrood Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh during a private meeting.
Yesterday, she told the Scottish Daily Mail: ‘It’s important that the UK Parliament and Holyrood learn from each other’s experiences and share best practice when it comes to sex- ual harassment and bullying. In Westminster, it’s become clear that existing routes for complaints are unable to provide closure in many situations, which is why I am working establishing an independent complaints and grievance procedure.
‘Holyrood will have its own procedures to consider as it looks at how to deliver the same positive transformation in working culture that I am determined to achieve in Westminster.’
Mrs Leadsom introduced new rules for Parliament last month to clamp down on bullying and harassment. Under these, peers or MPs found to have bullied or harassed their staff face being suspended, recalled or expelled.
She has also revealed that she has experienced harassment first-hand. It has previously been reported that she complained to Number 10 about a remark made by former Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon when she became an MP.
She was said to have alleged that, after saying she had cold hands, he said: ‘I know where you can put them to warm them up.’
A staff survey this month revealed one in three women working at the Scottish parliament has experienced sexual harassment or sexist behaviour, with MSPs named as the perpetrator in 45 per cent of cases.
Holyrood’s standards committee is investigating the changes needed to the system following the shock findings. A committee spokesman said: ‘There appears to be an early consensus that a more robust process is required.’