The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Truss calls for culture change in Commons as police investigate MP
Aculture change is needed at Westminster, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said as a Tory MP was bailed pending further inquiries into allegations of rape and sexual assault offences.
Scotland Yard said the unnamed man in his 50s was also detained on suspicion of indecent assault, abuse of position of trust and misconduct in public office.
Ms Truss, who is also Minister for Women and Equalities, said more needed to be done to “professionalise” the way the House of Commons works “but that does not excuse crimes being committed”.
Tory chief whip Chris Heaton-Harris urged the MP to stay away from Parliament but has not suspended the whip, meaning the suspect remains a member of the parliamentary party.
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle confirmed the suspect had agreed to stay away from Westminster and urged fellow MPs not to reveal his identity.
The Metropolitan Police said: “In January 2020, the Met received a report relating to alleged sexual offences having been committed between 2002 and 2009.
“The offences are alleged to have occurred in London.
“An investigation is ongoing, led by officers from central specialist crime.
“A man, aged in his 50s, was arrested on suspicion of indecent assault, sexual assault, rape, abuse of position of trust and misconduct in public office.
“He was taken into custody and has since been bailed pending further inquiries to a date in mid-June.”
It was understood the Conservatives will not make a decision on whether the suspect has the whip suspended until after the police investigation is concluded.
Asked if the MP should have been suspended or had the whip withdrawn, Ms Truss said: “I think it’s a matter for the police about whether that individual is named.
“I don’t know who it is. “I know that the police are looking at it and investigating it and I think we need to wait for the police to conduct those investigations.”
She added: “I certainly think that the culture of the House of Commons has changed and needs to change further.
“I think there needs to be more to be done to professionalise the way the House of Commons works. “I would agree with that. “But I don’t think we can attribute that... I don’t think that’s an excuse for people to commit appalling crimes.”
At the start of yesterday’s Commons proceedings, Sir Lindsay told MPs: “The House will know that a member has been arrested in connection with an investigation into an allegation of very serious criminal offences.
“I understand that the member has confirmed he will not attend the House of Commons while the investigation is ongoing.”
The Prospect union, which represents hundreds of staff working in the Houses of Parliament, said firmer action is needed.
Deputy general secretary Garry Graham said: “What will it take for Parliament to finally take its responsibility to its staff and visitors seriously and suspend access to the estate for parliamentarians under investigation for sexual offences?”