Bullies must not prosper anywhere

THE investigations into bullying and harassment by MPs in the Commons have confirmed it is out of step with the modern world.

The unique nature of the relationship between MPs and their staff – professional, personal and political all at the same time – has been ripe territory for abuse.

The fact that MPs are also employers, like 650 mini businesses hiring staff, means that the recourse to complaint could come at the cost of employment or political advancement.

The mix of social with professional conduct – where networking and receptions are work but, at the same time, informal gatherings – hasn’t helped.

At least the stone has been lifted on bad behaviour by a minority of politicians. But the small number stain the larger body and Westminster politics, as a whole, is tarnished by reports of bullying and harassment.

Most damning among the swirling claims is that only 34 out of 650 MPs and 135 out of 3200 MPs’ staff have attended or signed up to training designed to support the new behaviour code.

It makes it look like MPs are dragging their feet while being pulled into line with 21st-century work practices the rest of the country has long adhered to.