The Commons authorities are facing a backlash after it emerged an official inquiry into claims of bullying and harassment will not investigate allegations against John Bercow and other MPs.
Ex-High Court judge Dame Laura Cox has been appointed to lead the probe in the wake of a slew of allegations about the culture at parliament.
But Dame Laura will not be tasked with investigating any individual complaints or reopening past cases – instead examining the ‘nature and extent’ of the problem.
Unions warned that the tight restrictions on the probe risked ‘repeating the mistakes of the past’.
Dame Laura, who retired from the High Court in 2016, will also consider what options are available for resolving current or historical allegations and the support available to those affected.
Speaker John Bercow (pictured today) has denied the allegations against him, as have the two other MPs named by the programme, Labour’s Paul Farrelly and Conservative Mark Pritchard
Dame Janet Gaymer and Jane McCall, the two non-parliamentarian members of the House of Commons Commission, were tasked with agreeing the inquiry’s terms of reference and identifying an expert to lead it.
Dame Janet said: ‘In appointing someone of the calibre and expertise of Dame Laura Cox, we are demonstrating our intention that those working for the House of Commons can be confident that the appropriate processes are in place to ensure that they are treated appropriately and fairly at all times.
‘It is vitally important that this inquiry is wholly independent of any political or parliamentary influence so that everyone can be assured that it is conducted fairly and with the sole purpose of protecting those employed by the House.’
The inquiry follows a report by the BBC’s Newsnight programme that women officials responsible for running the business of the House had been bullied.
The report included a claim that Commons Speaker Mr Bercow shouted at and undermined his former private secretary Kate Emms, eventually leading to her being signed off sick.
Mr Bercow has denied the allegations against him, as have the two other MPs named by the programme, Labour’s Paul Farrelly and Conservative Mark Pritchard.
Dame Laura’s preliminary findings are expected to be produced before the Commons rises for its summer recess in July, with a full report in the autumn.
FDA Assistant General Secretary Amy Leversidge welcomed the inquiry, but added: ‘Our fear is that the inquiry is doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past if it does not consider previous and existing cases.
Ex-High Court judge Dame Laura Cox has been appointed to lead the probe in the wake of a slew of allegations about the culture at parliament
‘It is disappointing that Dame Cox has announced the inquiry will not make determinations about past and existing cases of bullying and harassment, instead recommending that staff should use the existing Respect Policy which is not fit for purpose.
‘Our view, supported by the testimony of many members of staff to the Newsnight investigation, is that the current policy has failed and must be replaced with a one that is truly independent from MPs at all stages, including any decisions on sanctions.
‘Since the inquiry was set up with the intention to investigate the failings of the current Respect Policy it is evidently clear that directing staff to continue to use that policy is inappropriate.’