A Tory MP was allegedly caught watching porn on his phone in the House of Commons, with an investigation now being launched by the party’s Chief Whip.
On Tuesday evening, the claims were aired in a meeting of the 2022 Group of female Conservative MPs. Chaired by Chief Whip Chris Heaton-Harris, the meeting was attended by around 50-60 MPs from the party, including former Prime Minister Theresa May.
The MP, who has not been identified, was allegedly caught watching the explicit content by two female MPs, including one minister.
It is also not clear at the time of writing whether the MP in question who watched porn on his phone in the lower chamber of Parliament was a member of the government or not. Current news reports from outlets such as Sky News and the Daily Mail carry contradictory claims on his status as a minister.
“Following allegations of inappropriate behaviour in the House of Commons the Chief Whip has asked that this matter be referred to the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme,” a spokesman for the Conservative Chief Whip said, launching an official investigation.
“Upon the conclusion of any ICGS investigation the Chief Whip will take appropriate action.”
“I guess you could argue that watching porn in the Chamber during a debate brings the whole House into disrepute,” one MP told The Telegraph. “It is also possible that it could be considered under sexual harassment and bullying. Obviously, the woman MP who has complained might consider that.”
The claims come as The Sunday Times revealed on the weekend that around 56 MPs had been referred to the ICGS over various sexual complaints, ranging from “sexually inappropriate comments,” to more serious allegations. Among those referred are three members of the cabinet and two members of the shadow cabinet.
Earlier this month, former Tory MP Imran Ahmad Khan was convicted of molesting a 15-year-old boy in 2008. His friend and colleague, current Conservative MP Crispin Blunt, defended Khan against the “dreadful miscarriage of justice,” later retracting his comments.
