Tory staffers have been pressured not to sign a letter calling for closer scrutiny of those wanting to be an MP because of the ongoing “pestminster” scandal, Sky News can reveal .
The letter, drafted by Angus McVean and Henry Dixon-Clegg, is addressed to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Conservative Party Chairman Oliver Dowden and Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle and calls for a change in the way national candidates are selected. festival.
Sky News has seen exclusive evidence of staff being pressured by CCHQ (Conservative Operations Headquarters) to sign the letter as it would put a “black mark” against their names.
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Sky News has also seen messages from MPs sent to staff members warning them that the head of the whip, Chris Heaton-Harris, knew who signed the letter before it was sent to the prime minister.
One message read: “Just wanted to let you know that the head of the whip knows who signed the letter yesterday. I’m not sure what that means but I think you should – that’s clearly not the point. private.”
However, this is opposed by the organizers of the letter, who say it is true that the chief whip saw the names of those who signed the letter before publication.
In exchanges seen by Sky News, employees revealed that CCHQ, having not seen the letter, called round-trip officers – in an attempt to find out who was behind it and who signed it. , and they are said to have petrified before potential customers. of such a letter.
It is believed that more than five staff members did not sign the letter due to pressure from caning or CCHQ, and several staff members were told by CCHQ that it would be better to meet in person to raise such concerns. is to send a public letter that can attract a lot of media attention.
In the letter, Mr McVean and Mr Dixon-Clegg said “key allegations of illegal conduct were treated as gossip” and that “the culture of gossip and rumours has allowed tolerance and acceptance of abused for too long”.
The pair went on to say that a “culture of indifference and fear” was the root cause of abuse in parliament.
A senior Tory MP told Sky News they had “heard countless stories of MPs bullying their staff” and that “there is a culture where junior staff are treated like trash”. half” because of the sense of entitlement of some congressmen.
Another Tory MP told Sky News they were surprised how many staff members did not sign the letter and that it was “embarrassing” and “terrible” that they were pressured not to sign.
The president of the GMB union branch for staff of MPs Jenny Symmons told Sky News: “This is an important step for Conservative staff. Ask for better from our politicians. I. “
This comes as Westminster has become saturated with stories of sleaze and sexual misconduct affecting not only the Tory party but parties across politics as a whole.
Most recently, a Tory MP has faced accusations of drinking alcohol to sexually assault their victim, a Conservative MP has said. recently arrested for rapeanother Tory, Imran Ahmad Khan, was convicted and sentenced to 18 months in prison for child sexual assaultand former Conservative MP Neil Parish is was found to have watched porn in the chambers of the House of Representatives while working.
These revelations raise questions about the culture in parliament and whether enough is being done to protect those who work there.
A spokesman for the chief whip said: “The Chief Whip met with Conservative staff members who organized the letter and offered to work with them.
“The Whips Office appreciates the work that all congressional staff do and will always work to ensure they are taken care of in Congress.”
