Chief Whip Will Investigate Claims A Tory MP Watched Porn In The Commons Chamber
2 min read
Conservative Party whips are investigating reports that a male Tory MP watched pornography on his phone in the Commons chamber.
The incident is alleged to have taken place in the last few months.
The MP in question was reportedly spotted by a female minister, who told a meeting of female Tory parliamentarians about the matter, according to The Sun.
"The chief whip is looking into this matter," a statement from the whips office said.
“This behaviour is wholly unacceptable, and action will be taken.''
The meeting of around 40 – 50 Tory MPs, called the 2022 group, took place on Tuesday evening.
It was convened following outcry across the Commons over an article in the Mail on Sunday, making unfounded allegations that deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner crosses and uncrosses her legs in the chamber in order to distract Boris Johnson.
The meeting was predominantly attended by female MPs, though some men, including chief whip Chris Heaton-Harris, Tory party chair Oliver Dowden and Commons leader Mark Spencer, are also believed to have been present.
Female MPs shared their experiences of sexism and misogyny in Parliament during the meeting.
Addressing the Commons during Prime Minister's Questions today, Johnson said MPs should treat each other with "respect".
The Prime Minister added there would be "absolutely no place" for sexist comments in Parliament.
"There can be absolutely no place for such behaviour or such expression in this House, we should treat each other, frankly, with the respect each other deserves," he said.
A spokesperson for Number 10 confirmed on Wednesday that the chief whip was investigating the matter of the MP accused of watching pornography.
The spokesperson described the act as "totally unacceptable behaviour" and confirmed whips were first informed of the allegation today following reports in the press.
A Downing Street spokesperson also they were “not aware of the disciplinary action” given for watching pornography in Parliament.
“Obviously it’s unacceptable,” they said.
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