MPS block Commons debates on bullying sanctions

Tory rebellion over proposed complaints system is Johnson’s first defeat of his new term

MEMBERS of Parliament have rejected government proposals to allow the Commons to debate serious bullying sanctions under a new complaints system proposed in the wake of allegations against John Bercow.

Theresa May, the former prime minister, and several other senior Tories last night backed an amendment to give the process more independence and ensure that victims felt able to come forward.

Originally recommended two years ago by Dame Laura Cox QC, a former High Court judge, the new system will see a panel of independent experts consider complaints against MPS, before issuing its recommendations. Less serious sanctions will be imposed directly by the panel, while more significant punishments, such as a suspension or expulsion, will have to be approved by a vote in the Commons.

Dame Laura’s inquiry was established after Westminster was rocked by a number of allegations against MPS, including Mr Bercow, the former Commons speaker. He has always categorically denied allegations that he bullied former members of staff. To the anger of opposition MPS and some senior

Tories, Jacob Rees-mogg, the Leader of the Commons, had put forward a motion that would have enabled the Commons to discuss the most serious cases before a vote.

While the alleged victims would not have been named and discussion of details of specific cases prohibited, critics warned the move would dissuade victims from coming forward for fear of being “called a liar or slandered”.

However, MPS yesterday voted by 243 to 238 for an amendment put forward by Labour’s Chris Bryant, which prohibited any such debates from taking place. It is the first Commons defeat suffered by Boris Johnson since he was returned with an 80-seat majority in last year’s general election.

The Government defeat saw a number of Conservatives back the amendment, said Labour sources, among them Andrea Leadsom, Mr Reesmogg’s predecessor, who said allowing complaints to be discussed would leave complainants feeling “revictimised”.

In a debate, Mrs Leadsom told MPS: “I think for my own part I will have to vote with [Chris Bryant’s] decision to not allow a debate in this chamber as we cannot not stand by those victims.”

A total of 45 Tory MPS voted against the Government, including Penny Mordaunt, a Cabinet Office minister. Other opponents included Jeremy Wright, the former attorney general.

Even Mr Rees-mogg acknowledged that he was not “entirely unsympathetic” to the amendment, although he insisted the Government’s proposals would only allow “constrained” and limited debate.