Westminster needs an overhaul, politicians say, after MP Neil Parish quits over watching porn in Parliament.
Among those calling for change is Ms Leadsom, the former leader of the Commons, who in 2018 spearheaded the creation of the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme which looks into claims of bullying and sexual harassment. Mr Parish's case had also been referred to the ICGS., she said she believes the ICGS is still fit for purpose, but one key problem the scheme faces is it has not been able to employ a sufficient number of specialist investigators.
"It's only when you see people being blind drunk and subject to the appropriate sanctions that people will start to think twice about their behaviour".Neil Parish: Porn-watching MP on why he's resigning, Sir Lindsay said he wanted to ensure Parliament was a "safe and inclusive" place to work and people felt supported and the serious allegations which have emerged must be addressed as a "matter of urgency".
This proposal for staff not to be employed by parliamentarians would mean new staff being "employed on standard terms and conditions", he said. "Some serious allegations have been made, and we must address them as a matter of urgency. It is imperative we do the right thing by staff and MPs as well."