Tory whips face dozens of claims by women colleagues
THE Conservative whips operation has been accused of sexism after a female Tory MP said she was not given permission to miss votes to attend her child’s hospital appointment.
Other allegations about the whips include that they nicknamed one female MP a “sh----r” and told a woman seeking promotion that she had to prove she could “cut it”.
The claims were aired at a meeting on Tuesday evening that saw dozens of female Tory MPS disclose their concerns to senior party figures.
The most prominent allegation was that a male Tory MP had been seen watching pornography in the House of Commons. But those present said there were also a string of comments that called into question whether a misogynistic culture existed among Tory whips.
A source close to the whips office last night said the allegations were being taken seriously and attempts to address the concerns raised were underway.
The whips office is in charge of party discipline, liaising with MPS about how to vote and enforcing decisions taken by the Cabinet.
Some criticism was about the process of “slipping”, which involves MPS being given permission by the whips to miss votes if they cannot be in Parliament.
One of those present said: “There was a long discussion about whips not giving slips to female MPS for essential childcare. There were pretty harrowing descriptions of MPS with very young children not being given slips. Toddlers that are sick need their parents and the whips just say ‘no’, when male colleagues have been slipped for two weeks to go on holiday.”
“In so many ways it doesn’t feel like women have been supported despite what they bring to the party and to Parliament.”
Another figure in the room said the example given was someone who wanted to take their child to hospital but was not given permission to be away from Parliament.”
The meeting also saw discussion
‘Toddlers that are sick need their parents and the whips just say no, when [men] have been slipped to go on holiday’
about the need for more clarity for young female MPS about the process for rising up the ladder of ministerial jobs.
One female Tory MP described being told by a whip: “You’ve got to go and prove you can cut it in the Chamber.”
Chris Heaton-harris, the current chief whip, was appointed to his position in February. He attended the meeting and is said to have been taken aback by the allegations.
A source close to Mr Heaton-harris said: “As soon as he was made aware of these allegations he acted very promptly. He takes all of this really seriously … He doesn’t want any form of sexism to go on.”