An independent investigation could be launched into claims a Tory MP watched porn on his phone while in the Commons.
The claims were made at a meeting on Tuesday night at which female Conservative MPs shared accounts of alleged sexism and harassment.
One of those who reported the unnamed MP was a female minister who said she saw him viewing the material while sat beside him in the Commons chamber.
Tory Chief Whip Chris Heaton-Harris has escalated a review of the claims.
Mr Heaton-Harris, who is in charge of Tory MPs’ discipline, was initially said to be looking into the matter – before he asked for it to be referred to Parliament’s Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS).
A spokesperson for his office said: “Upon the conclusion of any ICGS investigation the chief whip will take appropriate action.”
The female minister said the incident occurred last week and that she had also seen the MP watching pornography during a hearing of a select committee, The Times reported.
A second female Tory MP said she had witnessed the same man watching pornography inside the Commons and that she had tried but been unable to capture video proof.
It comes amid a renewed debate about the culture at Westminster after a Mail on Sunday story claimed Deputy Labour Leader Angela Rayner sometimes tries to distract Boris Johnson during Prime Minister’s Questions by crossing and uncrossing her legs.
The article was criticised as being misogynistic by numerous figures on both sides of the House, including the prime minister.
In the Commons on Wednesday, Green Party MP Caroline Lucas cited a report in The Sunday Times that said a total of 56 MPs, including three cabinet ministers, were facing allegations of sexual misconduct, and asked the prime minister whether such behaviour was grounds for dismissal under the ministerial code.
Mr Johnson replied that sexual harassment was “intolerable” and “of course… grounds for dismissal”.
BBC
