Theresa May sat down face to face with every other party leader tonight to strike an agreement for a new ‘grievance procedure’ for MPs’ staff harassed by politicians.
Mrs May said the agreement was an ‘important step forward’ following the talks in Parliament as a sex scandal threatens to engulf politics.
The Prime Minister was sat face to face with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and was joined by politicians from the SNP, Liberal Democrats, Plaid Cymru, DUP and the Greens.
Speaking after the meeting Mrs May said party leaders also agreed to upgrade an existing complaints hotline to a face-to-face human resources service.
The latter will be introduced by the end of the month and the new grievance procedure should be in place in next year, Mrs May told reporters.
Theresa May (third right) and Jeremy Corbyn (third left) joined a meeting party leaders for emergency talks tonight (pictured) to try and toughen up protections for MPs’ staff. Also in attendance were (clockwise from left) SNP leader Ian Blackford, shadow women’s minister Dawn Butler, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, leader’s chief of staff Karie Murphy, Lib Dem leader Sir Vince Cable, Lib Dem deputy leader Jo Swinson, Plaid Cymru leader Liz Saville Roberts, Unknown Aide, Unknown Aide, DUP chief whip Geoffrey Donaldson, No 10 deputy chief of staff Joanna Penn, Prime Minister Theresa May, Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom, Lords Leader Natalie Evans
Speaking after the meeting in her parliamentary office, Mrs May said: ‘Sadly, over recent days, we have seen a number of allegations about figures from across the political parties and it’s important that those are investigated impartially and some have rightly been referred to the police.
‘I think if this hasn’t happened to you it’s difficult to appreciate the impact that being a victim of this sort of behaviour can have, it simply has a lasting impact on people.
‘And we need to do more to stop these abuses of power and I’m pleased that having convened this meeting of party leaders today we have agreed a way forward.
‘We are going to ensure that there’s an upgrade to the existing phone line for staff so that staff in future will be able to get face-to-face HR support and for that to be in place by the end of the month.
‘And we’ve also agreed that we need a completely new grievance procedure for staff working here, for everybody working here, and that that should come into effect in the New Year.
‘So I think an important step forward has been taken today, it’s important that we get this right, and I’m sorry that we have seen these abuses of power – too many taking place over too many years.
‘And the fact that they have taken place here at our seat of democracy should be a matter of shame for us all.’
Mrs May (pictured leaving No 10 to head to the talks tonight) said party leaders also agreed to upgrade an existing complaints hotline to a face-to-face human resources service
Earlier today, Mrs May admitted that politicians on all sides had failed to tackle the ‘deeply troubling’ problems over many years.
Speaking at the CBI conference this morning, Mrs May said she was determined to address allegations head-on – and stressed she had stepped in to trigger investigations in some cases before allegations emerged publicly.
The comments came amid suggestions Mrs May has put the Tories on a ‘state of readiness’ to fight by-elections.
Some eight Conservative MPs have already been caught up in the row, with Mrs May’s deputy Damian Green and international trade minister Mark Garnier under investigation by the Cabinet Office.
The PM said: ‘For too long the powerful have been able to abuse their power and their victims have not felt able to speak out.’
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.’
The Prime Minister told the CBI conference today that politicians on all sides had failed to tackle the ‘deeply troubling’ problems of sexual conduct at Westminster over many years
Mrs May said she was determined to act when evidence of misconduct came to light, and boost protection for MPs’ staff
Mrs May conceded that ‘political parties have not always got this right in the past’, but added: ‘I am determined to get it right for the future.’
The PM has called for an independent grievance procedure covering everyone working in Parliament – who currently have to confront their MP employer or go to their political party.
‘We need to establish a new culture of respect at the centre of our public life,’ she said.
‘One in which everyone can feel confident that they are working in a safe and secure environment, where complaints can be brought forward without prejudice and victims know that those complaints will be investigated properly.
‘And where people’s careers cannot be damaged by unfounded rumours circulated anonymously online.
‘Of course, people can be friends with their colleagues and consensual relationships can develop at work – this isn’t about prying into private lives. What we are talking about is the use and abuse of power.’
Home Secretary Amber Rudd set out a tough line yesterday saying that sex pest MPs should be kicked out of Parliament.
Damian Green, pictured leaving his London home today, is under investigation by the Cabinet Office amid disputed allegations of a clumsy pass at a Tory activist. Amber Rudd suggested yesterday that sex pest MPs should be kicked out of Parliament
Former minister Anna Soubry said that in some instances there had been ‘covering up, which is totally unacceptable’
She said a review of the rules for dealing with harassment should consider removing guilty MPs from Parliament.
Labour’s John Mann has said the scandal engulfing Westminster would lead to ‘at least 12 by-elections’.
Even with the support of the DUP, Mrs May has a Commons majority of just 13, which would be wiped out if she lost seven seats.
One minister last night warned that the Tories were in ‘no fit state to present ourselves to the electorate’ and said the only consolation was ‘neither are Labour’.
Rules to allow MPs to be kicked out between elections would also require a change in the law. Mrs May will try to get on the front foot today with a pledge to ‘act decisively’.
Speaking at the Confederation of British Industry, the PM will acknowledge that the scandal has caused ‘significant public unease’, and admit that parties ‘have not always got this right in the past’.
Meanwhile, Tory MPs rounded on the whips’ office over its handling of the scandal.
Former minister Anna Soubry said that in some instances there had been ‘covering up, which is totally unacceptable’.
Miss Soubry said she was ‘astonished’ that Mrs May had promoted former chief whip Gavin Williamson to the post of Defence Secretary last week after Sir Michael Fallon’s departure.
One minister said: ‘What did Gavin Williamson know when he was in post? He looks to be up to his neck in this.’
Tory MP Andrew Bridgen said allegations that Dr Poulter had put his hand up the skirts of three female MPs had first been made to the whips seven years ago.
He was later made a health minister.
And a Whitehall source last night said the whips’ office had known ‘for months’ about ‘serious allegations’ against Tory MP Charlie Elphicke, which were finally reported to the police on Friday night. Mr Williamson declined to comment yesterday.
Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom has said ministers who make women ‘feel uncomfortable’ could face the sack, while MPs could have the whip withdrawn.
But Miss Rudd yesterday said that discipline should go further.
Asked if the Government should consider rules to allow MPs to be booted out, she told Sky News: ‘That is one of the things I would encourage the review to look at.’
At risk, the eight Tories caught up in the ‘Pestminster Scandal
Gynaecologist ‘put hands up skirts’
Date accused: November 5.
Allegation: Former Tory health minister Dan Poulter, who used to work as a gynaecologist, was accused by fellow Tory Andrew Bridgen of putting his hand up the skirts of three female MPs.
Rebuttal: Said to deny the allegations but he has not commented publicly. Now under investigation by the new Tory party disciplinary panel.
Former Tory health minister Dan Poulter, who used to work as a gynaecologist, was accused by fellow Tory Andrew Bridgen of putting his hand up the skirts of three female MPs
Whip’s unwanted sexual advances
Date accused: November 5.
Allegation: Tory Government whip Chris Pincher made unwanted advances towards former Olympic rower Alex Story. Also accused of ‘touching up’ former Labour MP Tom Blenkinsop. Not facing party disciplinary action.
Rebuttal: Has quit his role and voluntarily referred himself to police.
Chris Pincher has quit his role as a whip and voluntarily referred himself to police made unwanted advances towards former Olympic rower Alex Story
‘Pressured researcher to go on date’
Date accused: November 4.
Allegation: Tory MP Daniel Kawczynski pressured young party researcher to go on a ‘date’ with a wealthy businessman ‘older than her father’ in 2013. Under investigation by new Conservative disciplinary panel.
Rebuttal: Strongly denies accusation, saying he only asked the researcher to have a coffee with a friend.
Daniel Kawczynski denies allegations he pressured a young party researcher to go on a ‘date’ with a wealthy businessman ‘older than her father’ in 2013
‘Serious sexual assault’
Date accused: November 3.
Allegation: Former Tory whip Charlie Elphicke accused of serious sexual assault. Suspended by party pending police inquiry.
Rebuttal: The Dover and Deal MP denies any wrongdoing.
Former Tory whip Charlie Elphicke has been suspended by the party pending police inquiry after being accused of serious sexual assault
Claims date back 15 years
Date accused: November 2.
Allegation: Sir Michael Fallon touched Julia Hartley-Brewer’s knee, ‘lunged’ at journalist Jane Merrick and gave ‘unwanted attention’ to Andrea Leadsom in incidents dating back 15 years.
Rebuttal: Quit as defence secretary.
Sir Michael Fallon touched Julia Hartley-Brewer’s knee, ‘lunged’ at journalist Jane Merrick and gave ‘unwanted attention’ to Andrea Leadsom in incidents dating back 15 years
Extreme porn on computer
Date accused: November 1.
Allegation: Deputy PM Damian Green made advances towards activist Kate Maltby. Police found ‘extreme’ pornography on computer in his office in 2008.
Rebuttal: Denies allegations. Under investigation.
Deputy PM Damian Green made advances towards activist Kate Maltby. Police found ‘extreme’ pornography on computer in his office in 2008
Admitted texts to woman, 19
Date accused: October 29.
Allegation: Tory ex-Cabinet minister Stephen Crabb sent ‘pretty outrageous’ texts to a 19-year-old who applied for job. Under investigation by Conservative disciplinary panel.
Rebuttal: The MP admits incidents.
Tory ex-Cabinet minister Stephen Crabb sent ‘pretty outrageous’ texts to a 19-year-old who applied for job
Send aide to buy sex toys
Date accused: October 29.
Allegation: Trade Minister Mark Garnier referred to female aide as ‘sugar t**s’ and asked her to buy sex toys. Under probe.
Rebuttal: MP says allegations ‘do not constitute harassment’.
Trade Minister Mark Garnier referred to a female aide as ‘sugar t**s’ and asked her to buy sex toys
And the Labour men also in the dock
‘Groped woman at party’
Date accused: November 3.
Allegation: Former frontbencher Clive Lewis groped a woman at a party at Labour conference in September. Under probe.
Rebuttal: Firm denial, saying it’s ‘not how I roll’.
Former frontbencher Clive Lewis denies groping a woman at a party at Labour conference in September
Texts to woman of 24
Date accused: November 2.
Allegation: Former frontbencher Kelvin Hopkins sent ‘inappropriate’ texts to 24-year-old, rubbed crotch on her. Suspended.
Rebuttal: Denies allegations.
Former frontbencher Kelvin Hopkins denies sending ‘inappropriate’ texts to 24-year-old and rubbing his crotch on her
‘Stroked leg of 19-year-old’
Date accused: November 3.
Allegation: Former minister Ivan Lewis stroked the leg of 19-year-old. No investigation.
Rebuttal: Denies the claim but has apologised for any ‘unwelcome’ behaviour in past.
Former minister Ivan Lewis stroked the leg of 19-year-old. He denies that allegation but has apologised for any ‘unwelcome’ behaviour in past
Offensive posts on the web
Date accused: October 25.
Allegation: Jared O’Mara called woman ‘ugly b****’. Offensive comments online. Suspended.
Rebuttal: MP denies first comment. Apologised for online posts.
Jared O’Mara was suspended by the Labour Party and has apologised after making a string of offensive comments online