By ‘Drastic overhaul’ of Westminster needed say MPs
Senior MPs have called for a drastic overhaul of Westminster, after sexual misconduct allegations and bullying claims about politicians.
House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said “radical action” was needed and a review of ‘working practises’.
According to reports, there was suggesting of a HR department, which House Dame Andrea Leadsom backed.
The calls for change come amid reports that more than 50 MPs are facing allegations of sexual misconduct.
Business Secretary Kwarsi Kwarteng told the BBC he did not think the Commons was a dangerous place in general for women to work, but referenced some “bad apples”.
Recent weeks have seen controversy surrounding the culture at Westminster, with a number of female MPs taking of their experiences.
MP Neil Parish resigned, after admitting he had watched pornography twice in Parliament.
He told the BBC it had been a “moment of madness” and what he had done “was absolutely, totally wrong”.
Mr Parish’s resignation will trigger a by-election in his constituency of Tiverton and Honiton in Devon, which is understood to be a safe Conservative seat at present.
Dame Andrea, a Tory MP and former leader of the Commons, who saw the creation of the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme said change was needed.
The Sunday Times reported she said she believed the ICGS was fit for purpose, but it had not been able to employ enough investigators as it took “too long” to deal with cases.
“It’s only when you see people being blind drunk and subject to the appropriate sanctions that people will start to think twice about their behaviour,” Ms Leadsom said, arguing that Parliament should set up a human resources department.
