Michael Fallon ‘apologised after touching journalist’s knee’
3 min read
Michael Fallon has admitted he had to apologise to a journalist for putting his hand on her knee during a dinner.
Julia Hartley-Brewer relaid the experience from 2002, which she said did not make her “remotely upset or distressed”.
The columnist and broadcaster did not name the Defence Secretary, but he was unmasked by The Sun last night.
The news comes as five further Tory MPs have been added to the dossier of 36 politicians - created by Tory aides - who have been accused of inappropriate conduct.
According to The Sun the dossier also includes six cabinet ministers and other senior allies of Theresa May.
The paper also reports there is a video in circulation of a Tory MP being urinated on by three men, it also claims a politician attempted to take three female aides on holiday and that an MP forced a staff member to have an abortion.
Ms Hartley Brewer, who has hit out at the “wild rumours and claims" flying around Westminster, said she did not view herself as a victim following the incident with Mr Fallon
After he touched her leg, she said: "I calmly and politely explained to him that, if he did it again, I would 'punch him in the face'.
"He withdrew his hand and that was the end of the matter."
A spokesman for Sir Michael said: "He had apologised when the incident happened 15 years ago and both Julia and he now considered the matter closed."
Yesterday, Betty Williams, a former Labour MP for Conwy, said she had been the victim of unwanted sexual advances by colleagues, including when one Tory MP grabbed her breast at a drinks reception.
Labour MP Rupa Huq also spoke out yesterday, saying she was sexually harassed by a male MEP at the European Parliament when she was in her 20s.
Andrea Leadsom said yesterday that ministers found guilty of sexual harassment would be sacked from their jobs.
The Commons leader also said backbenchers should lose their party whip, while members of staff should be sacked.
Her comments came as a Cabinet Office probe was launched into whether Mark Garnier broke the ministerial code by asking his former secretary to buy two sex toys for him.
Commons Speaker John Bercow had said "there is a need for change" in the culture at Westminster.
He said: "Let me make it clear: there must be zero tolerance of sexual harassment or bullying here at Westminster or elsewhere: whether that involves members or their staff or parliamentary staff or those working on or visiting the estate."
SCOTLAND PROBE
Meanwhile, Nicola Sturgeon confirmed last night the SNP had launched two investigations following allegations, but refused to say whether they were MPs or MSPs.
Before the announcement, the First MInister described reports of sexual harassment as "unacceptable".
The party said in a statement: "The SNP has had concerns of this nature raised by two different individuals. The individuals and their concerns are unconnected to each other.
"These will be fully investigated but enquiries remain at an early stage.
"We will do nothing to deter people from coming forward and, as such, we will not comment further while investigations are ongoing."
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