LONDON — The U.K. Conservative Party is investigating claims that a Tory MP watched pornography on his phone in the House of Commons chamber.
The allegation was made at a meeting of Conservative MPs aimed at improving the gender balance of parliament, and was first reported by the Sun. An MP who was present at that meeting confirmed this account to POLITICO.
At the meeting, attendees shared stories of sexism and sexual harassment at Westminster, including the claim that an MP watched sexually explicit material in the chamber and was spotted doing so by a female minister.
A spokesperson for the government whips’ office — responsible for party discipline and conduct — said the chief whip was looking into the matter.
“This behavior is wholly unacceptable and action will be taken,” the spokesperson said.
Politicians on all sides have called for culture change in parliament this week after a series of stories highlighting sexual misconduct and misogyny at Westminster.
Following the recent conviction of former Tory MP Imran Ahmad Khan for sexual assault, POLITICO revealed that the Commons’ procedure committee has ruled out an inquiry into banning MPs accused of serious misconduct from the parliamentary estate.
The Sunday Times later reported that 56 MPs are currently facing sexual misconduct complaints, including three Cabinet ministers, while the Mail on Sunday ran a story in which an unnamed MP accused Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner of trying to distract Boris Johnson by crossing and uncrossing her legs.
The Mail on Sunday story prompted an outcry, with Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle condemning it as “disgraceful” and “misogynistic.”