Commons bullying inquiry ‘will give MPS a clean slate’

AN INQUIRY into claims of bullying in Parliament will not consider claims made against individual MPS, it was confirmed last night, with campaigners warning that the probe will do little more than to provide the accused with a “clean slate”.

The investigation into an allegedly toxic culture in Westminster will not take into account allegations made against John Bercow, the Speaker, or two other MPS who are accused of abusing former staff. Instead, the inquiry, chaired by Dame Laura Cox QC, the former High Court judge, will examine the atmosphere in the Commons without delving into the specific cases which led to it being launched.

It comes two months after Mr Bercow was accused of bullying Kate Emms, his former secretary, who was signed off work sick and later transferred to another office. Mr Bercow categorically denies the claims. Last night an insider told The Daily Telegraph that allies of Mr Bercow, who sit on the body which approved the inquiry, had refused to entertain any investigation which would look at the specific investigations against him or other MPS.

The source, who spoke anonymously, added that there was “no way” that the organisers of the probe would have got it past the House of Commons Commission – chaired by Mr Bercow – which sets both the terms and scope of the inquiry.

Amy Leversidge, the FDA union’s general secretary, said: “The failure to consider existing and past complaints by the inquiry will potentially result in a ‘clean slate’ for the perpetrators of bullying and harassment, rather than the promised closure for staff.”

Dame Janet Gaymer, who sits on the commission, said the “calibre” of Dame Laura was evidence staff could be “confident” of being “treated appropriately and fairly at all times”.