John Bercow to avoid investigation over bullying claims
3 min read
Commons Speaker John Bercow and other MPs accused of workplace bullying will not face investigation over the allegations, it has emerged.
An independent inquiry into the bullying and harassment of House of Commons staff will not consider historical claims or re-open past cases as part of its work.
Instead, it will consider what options are available for resolving current or historical allegations and the support available to those affected.
Union leaders said the inquiry "will potentially result in a clean slate for the perpetrators of bullying and harassment, rather than the promised closure for staff".
Mr Bercow was alleged to have shouted at and undermined his former private secretary Kate Emms - eventually leading to her being signed off sick.
Conservative MP Mark Pritchard and Labour MP Paul Farrelly have also been accused of bullying staff, it was revealed as part of an investigation by BBC's Newsnight programme.
All of the MPs denied the claims, with a spokesman for Mr Bercow saying: "The Speaker completely and utterly rejects the allegation that he had behaved in such a manner, either eight years ago or at any other time."
The new inquiry will be chaired by Dame Laura Cox QC and will produce preliminary findings before the summer recess, with a final report produced in the autumn.
Details of the inquiry were announced by the House of Commons Commission, for whom Dame Janet Gaymer said: "In appointing someone of the calibre and expertise of Dame Laura Cox, we are demonstrating our intention that those working for the House of Commons can be confident that the appropriate processes are in place to ensure that they are treated appropriately and fairly at all times.
"It is vitally important that this inquiry is wholly independent of any political or parliamentary influence so that everyone can be assured that it is conducted fairly and with the sole purpose of protecting those employed by the House."
But Amy Leversidge, assistant general secretary of the FDA civil servants union, said: "Whilst we welcome the launch of the inquiry by Dame Laura Cox QC as an important step in revealing the extent of bullying and harassment in the House of Commons, our fear is that the inquiry is doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past if it does not consider previous and existing cases.
"It is disappointing that Dame Laura has announced the inquiry will not make determinations about past and existing cases of bullying and harassment, instead recommending that staff should use the existing Respect Policy, which is not fit for purpose.
"Our view, supported by the testimony of many members of staff to the Newsnight investigation, is that the current policy has failed and must be replaced with a one that is truly independent from MPs at all stages, including any decisions on sanctions.
"The failure to consider existing and past complaints by the inquiry will potentially result in a ‘clean slate’ for the perpetrators of bullying and harassment, rather than the promised closure for staff.
"The FDA urged the inquiry team to consider these fundamental issues before publishing their terms of reference and are frustrated that once again a ‘year zero’ approach could be adopted if any new policy is introduced."
PoliticsHome Newsletters
PoliticsHome provides the most comprehensive coverage of UK politics anywhere on the web, offering high quality original reporting and analysis: Subscribe
