Leadsom accused of failing to act over activist’s rape allegation

A TORY activist who alleges she was raped by a senior Conservative has accused Andrea Leadsom of leaving her feeling “worthless” after she did not take action.

The alleged victim said she reported the allegation of rape and concerns about the “toxic” culture in Westminster to David Natzler, the Clerk of the House of Commons. Ms Leadsom, the Leader of the Commons, was told by Mr Natzler that police were examining “criminal allegations”. A spokesman said it was not appropriate for Ms Leadsom to take further action because the case was being investigated by police.

The victim told the BBC that she was left feeling “worthless” after neither Ms Leadsom or Gavin Williamson, the then chief whip, contacted her. Ms Leadsom played a key part in the downfall of Sir Michael Fallon as defence secretary after telling Downing Street that he had made inappropriate comments to her.

The Leader of the Commons initially denied that the rape allegation had been formally “referred” to her. However a spokesman subsequently said that the clerk “did raise to the leader of the house that there were allegations that were being dealt with as a criminal matter”. He added: “It was not appropriate for her to take any action because it was being dealt with as a criminal matter.” The revelation comes as Damian Green, Theresa May’s effective deputy, is today under mounting pressure over claims that “extreme” pornography was found by police on his computer after a raid in 2008.

Mr Green has said that the claims which were originally made by Bob Quick, a former assistant commissioner to the Metropolitan Police, are a “false, disreputable smear from a discredited police officer”. Cressida Dick, the Metropolitan Police commissioner, will today give evidence to the Home Affairs Select Committee. She is expected to be asked about the allegations.

Mr Green is under investigation by the Cabinet Office after allegations, which he strongly denies, that he propositioned Kate Maltby, a former Tory activist who is 30 years his junior.

Mrs May yesterday met with the leaders of all the other political parties to discuss putting in place an independent complaints body to protect staff.

It came as the Liberal Democrats were accused of hushing up a rape allegation after taking six months to suspend a party member alleged to have attacked a teenager at last year’s party conference. The alleged victim is one of four women who say they were harassed or assaulted by the same man. The party has confirmed that he has been suspended and reported to the police.