‘I hope this time will be different, that change will happen’

Cathy Newman, C4 presenter

It is four years since I received a tip-off about allegations of inappropriate behaviour in Westminster.

After an exhaustive investigation by Channel 4 News, we aired that woman’s accusations – and those of several others – that Lord Rennard, the Lib Dem peer, had abused his power by propositioning them. He denied the allegations.

The reaction from senior figures across the political spectrum was one of shock. And there were repeated promises that that kind of behaviour must not be allowed to happen again. The culture had to change.

Months later, we revealed the results of our “Palace of Sexminster” investigation – a survey of parliamentary staff, which showed the full scale of exploitation and abuse of power in Westminster. A third – both women and men, at various levels – told us they had experienced sexual harassment. They described predatory behaviour, drunken passes and unwanted advances.

Again, all parties expressed outrage, and promised action. We all breathed a sigh of relief. We all thought things would change; that politicians would get with the programme. They didn’t. After a seven month inquiry into Lord Rennard’s behaviour, no action was taken. And nothing else – an attempt at a helpline aside – was forthcoming.

Instead, in recent days, we have heard the same allegations again and again, and the same pledges to deal with them. Except this time, many of us are not so much shocked as saddened that we are here again.

Indeed, like many political journalists, I have direct experience of the sleazy, often misogynistic atmosphere which has dogged Westminster. I am not alone in receiving texts from one politician – dubbed the “pervy peer” – requesting I wear knee-high boots to meetings.

I hope, though, that this time it will be different. The allegations of sexual assault against Harvey Weinstein have led to extraordinary disclosures from across the world. What started in the entertainment industry has now reached politics and, this time, it feels like the shock is backed with a desire for concrete change. I dared to hope we had crossed a Rubicon four years ago. I trust that I will not be reporting on “Sexminster” on this scale this again.