Government ministers deny any wrongdoing

Two ministers named on an unverified list of sexual misconduct allegations in Westminster have denied any wrongdoing.

Justice minister Dominic Raab said he had taken legal advice after his name appeared on the document next to a claim he was subject to an injunction for “inappropriate behaviour with a woman”.

Aid minister Rory Stewart said claims about his behaviour towards a female member of staff were “completely untrue”, something a researcher publicly backed up.

Mr Raab said it was “wrong” that a list of “vague, unsubstantiated” allegations about Tories, which has been circulated on social media, should be published and warned against “smearing” innocent MPs.

The MP for Esher and Walton said: “I appreciate the Westminster list will encourage a further media feeding frenzy against MPs. I also recognise that there are undoubtedly some very disturbing allegations out there, which need to be taken seriously.

“At the same time, for anonymous individuals to compile and publish, or allow to be published, a list of vague, unsubstantiated and – in my case – false allegations is wrong.”

Sophie Bolsover, who worked for Mr Stewart, insisted “nothing of the kind” of behaviour that was implied “ever took place”.

She said: “During my time working in Parliament, Rory Stewart was never anything other than completely professional and an excellent employer”.

Mr Stewart, MP for Penrith and The Border, said the appearance of his name of the list had been “deeply hurtful”.

Rory Stewart said claims were “completely untrue”.