Westminster abuse is truly abhorrent

A TORY MP has been sent home on “gardening leave”.

He is accused of rape, as well as other offences.

He is yet another in a long line of MPS involved in claims of sexual misconduct.

Fifty-five Members of Parliament have currently been referred to the Parliamentary Watchdog so far “for investigation”.

Why the Whip has not been removed is a cause of concern for those in Parliament, especially women.

Conservative minister, Kit Malthouse, has said that naming the MP would put an enormous strain on him.

This has divided opinion as it could be argued that naming him may enable other possible victims to come forward.

However, others say it may expose victims to identification and that the process needs to be dealt with sensitively. The principle of being “innocent until proven guilty” is very important.

However, what we really need to ask ourselves is: what it is about the culture in Westminster that allows abuse and harassment to prevail?

For years it appears MPS have been allowed to get away with this type of abuse.

Women in Westminster, reportedly, set up a Whatsapp group to warn each other about serial sex pests, with warnings not to share the lift with certain individuals.

The culture of late-night drinking and little regulation, has been a breeding ground for exploitation.

Young, often ambitious, parliamentary assistants eager to please, can easily fall victim to the abuse of power.

This “recent” accusation was apparently reported some two years ago. It has only now led to an arrest. In this time, the individual has held office and wielded power over others.

Was the victim not believed at first?

Sexual abuse should never be tolerated. Those responsible should be held to account and Westminster should not be exempt.