MPs have voted to give themselves anonymity in bullying and harassment claims – sparking warnings that the public will view the move as a cover-up.
Westminster was rocked by a series of sex assault and harassment allegations late last year – triggering Cabinet resignations and loud demands for reform.
Politicians today voted to usher in a new disciplinary procedure – but it immediately faced stinging criticism as it emerged that politicians facing allegations will be granted anonymity.
The cloak of secrecy took effect immediately as official logs detailing probes into the conduct of MPs, including Labour politician Keith Vaz, took down the names today.
Several MPs tore into the measures, which they warned risk backfiring and may end up helping to cover up misdemeanours of politicians.
Politicians today voted to usher in a new disciplinary procedure (presented by Cabinet Minister Andrea Leadsom, pictured today) – but it immediately faced stinging criticism as it emerged that politicians facing allegations will be granted anonymity
Labour’s Sir Kevin Barron said he agreed confidentiality was important to ensure people come forward with allegations, but said publishing the name of an MP under investigation would not cause ‘irreparable damage’ to the probe.
He tried to push through an amendment which sought to ensure the names of individuals under investigation can be published.
But the push for open justice was blocked by MPs, who voted it down by 79 votes to 22.
Sir Kevin warned that by handing themselves anonymity, MPs risk eroding the already very shaky trust the public has in them.
He said: ‘We perfectly agree the issue about sexual harassment and bullying and harassment needs confidentiality to make sure that people will come forward and will speak out so that actions can be taken.
‘We have considered carefully the Leader’s argument for making this change, and we understand why she has put them forward.
‘But we do not think that they outweigh the reputational damage that may arise if we go ahead with this proposal as it is stated.
‘It will be presented as MPs trying to cover up their misdoings.’
Sir Kevin went on: ‘It’s also good news for anybody who wants to smear a Member of Parliament – they can simply tell the media that the member has broken a rule and is under investigation.
‘Since the Parliamentary Commissioner will be effectively gagged she will not be able to confirm or deny this.
‘The rumour will continue and no-one will have the authority to put the record straight.’
The changes were presented by Cabinet Minister and leader of the Commons Andrea Leadsom today, who said they are vital to crack down on bad behaviour.
But Sir Kevin warned that the public will be unforgiving of MPs who are trying gag criticism of them only a few years after their reputation was rocked by the expenses scandal.
Mrs Leadsom told the Commons that under the new scheme, drawn up following a rash of bullying allegations, those visiting and working in Parliament will be able to do so free from ‘unacceptable behaviour, bullying and harassment’.
Mrs Leadsom said: ‘Today gives us a new start, Westminster has been rocked by allegations of bullying and harassment since last November, but today we can demonstrate our determination to put our House in order and to ensure that in the future everyone will be treated with dignity and respect.’
Labour’s Sir Kevin Barron (pictured in the Commons today) said he agreed confidentiality was important to ensure people come forward with allegations, but said publishing the name of an MP under investigation would not cause ‘irreparable damage’ to the probe
Former Tory activist Kate Maltby, whose complaint about Damian Green touching her knee led to an inquiry resulting in his removal as deputy prime minister, watched from a side gallery as the code was given cross-party support.
Labour MP Jess Phillips said: ‘I do worry about how it looks in trying to pull back on transparency.’
Ms Phillips added: ‘I think, if I’m honest, the anonymity that is being required was a deal done by somebody in a whips office or somebody on some committee that controls one of our political parties.
‘I have no evidence to suggest that, I’m enjoying my parliamentary privilege.’
Liberal Democrat Layla Moran referred to her own experiences of harassment.
She said: ‘There have been two occasions in my life as a candidate where I was a victim, albeit not terribly, not enough that I took it to anything formal, but I have myself been a victim of sexual harassment.
‘And I know many other members have and many other staff members have in this place, particularly female but not exclusively.
‘Number one on my mind was this is hard enough to say, this is hard enough to even admit to, and if there’s any chance at all that I could have been identified, I certainly then would not have gone on to flag it in the right channels.’