MPS’ anonymity vote condemned as ‘step backwards’

ALL details of MPS being investigated over misconduct were deleted from Parliament’s website within hours yesterday after the Commons voted to make all cases anonymous.

Andrea Leadsom, the Leader of the Commons, yesterday presented a motion to hide the names of MPS being investigated as part of an inquiry into sexual harassment and bullying in Westminster. However, the motion extended the anonymity to all MPS – including those who cheated on their parliamentary expenses.

The move was opposed by the Committee on Standards, which tabled an amendment to keep MPS who are accused of non-harassment-related offences public. It did not pass, as 79 MPS – including 70 Tories – voted against it.

Sir Kevin Barron, chair of the committee, said: “Today’s vote marked a step backwards for transparency.”