May calls for a ‘culture of respect’ after Westminster sleaze allegations

Theresa May has defended her handling of the Westminster sleaze scandal as she called for a “new culture of respect” in public life.

The Prime Minister said a “number of issues” that “didn’t appear in the press” had led to action being taken, with MPS referred to the internal Tory grievance procedure.

Speaking at the CBI conference, Mrs May said the scandal was about the “use and abuse of power” as she renewed calls for a new crossparty approach to tackling the problem.

Asked if she could say “hand on heart” that she had not been aware of sleaze allegations before the scandal broke, she said: “Obviously what has happened over the last week, a number of stories have appeared in the press.

“A number of issues were raised with me that didn’t appear in the press and you can see action has been taken.

“A number of people have been referred to the Conservative Party’s grievance procedure and arrangements have been put in place.

“And a number of people have been referred to the Cabinet Secretary, where they are in ministerial positions it is appropriate for the Cabinet Secretary to look at these issues.”

Downing Street said that Mrs May was not aware of any further allegations of misconduct.

First Secretary of State Damian Green was yesterday being interviewed as part of a Cabinet Office investigation which has been expanded to include claims that pornography was found on one of his parliamentary computers in 2008. Mr Green, who is effectively the Prime Minister’s deputy, has strongly denied the claims.