New ‘Pestminster’ controversy elicits demands for the next British Prime Minister to eradicate ‘toxic’ culture. amidst allegations that a Cabinet minister sexually raped a teenage legislative assistant
A parliamentary staffer said she was targeted by a current cabinet-level Tory lawmaker.
A second employee at No. 10 said she was touched by a senior colleague.
Could rekindle “Pestminster” claims that politicians abused younger personnel.
Mike Clancy of Trade Union Prospect urged the next prime minister to eradicate a “toxic” atmosphere.
In light of allegations that a Cabinet member sexually abused a teenage staffer, protesters have urged that Britain’s next prime leader eradicate Westminster’s “toxic” culture.
Two Conservative Party employees have accused a minister and a top Number 10 assistant of sexual assault.
A former parliamentary staffer said on the podcast The Open Secret of Sky News that she was the target of a Tory lawmaker who has since been elevated to the cabinet.
The Times stated that a second member of the parliamentary staff said she was touched by a senior official at Number 10 prior to his appointment.
The charges represent a new “Pestminster” crisis, which originally erupted in 2017 as a result of a series of allegations that lawmakers were engaged in sexual harassment and intimidation of subordinate personnel.
After Tory members vote on Monday, either Liz Truss or Rishi Sunak will be named as the next prime minister.
In light of allegations that a Cabinet member sexually abused a teenage staffer, activists have demanded that Britain’s next prime leader eradicate a “toxic” culture at Westminster. Picture: file image
Chris Pincher, the former deputy chief whip of the Conservative Party, made allegations of improper conduct towards Boris Johnson, which led to his resignation.
Mike Clancy, general secretary of the trade union Prospect, which represents parliamentary employees, expressed his optimism that the next prime minister would address the claims.
He said, “Sophisticated employers have protocols and procedures in place to guarantee the rights of victims and those who are the subject of complaints are treated appropriately.
“As of Monday, we will have a new prime minister, and this is a chance to reset the culture and demonstrate leadership that has been lacking in the past.”
I hope that the incoming prime minister will be able to clean up this mess and address the poisonous culture.
Former parliamentary aide: ‘When I was in my early 20s, I was sexually abused by someone who is now a Cabinet minister, and I didn’t know how to cope with it.
‘I was really inebriated. He is giving me more wine, despite the fact that I am plainly already drunk. I eventually said, “You know what? Would it bother you if I simply went to bed? I then went to bed.
Evidently, he did not leave me alone. The next morning, I awoke and realized what had transpired.
The lady was employed at Number 10 at the time of the occurrence. She objected when he was awarded the post, yet he still has it.
She said, “I’ve heard he’ll be working in Downing Street.” I discussed it with a lot of others.
Nothing occurred. I then filed an official complaint with the Cabinet Office. I simply felt obligated to do it again, in part because he will be working in a female-dominated workplace. And I assumed he would do it again.
A Conservative MP has said that sexual harassment is not “cultural” at Westminster, but if a complaint is made, it should be thoroughly investigated.
Kay Burley of Sky News interviewed Kevin Hollinrake about the sexual misconduct claims against a Cabinet member and a top No 10 assistant in Boris Johnson’s government.
The representative for Thirsk and Malton said, “If a complaint is made, it should be thoroughly examined.” Absolutely.
I do not think it is cultural. In a cohort of 650 individuals, however, it is inevitable that there will be instances of unacceptable behavior, and if this occurs and a complaint is filed, it should be properly investigated and those responsible should be held accountable.
He said, “I do not believe there is a cultural issue at Westminster.” Nonetheless, one complaint of this kind is one too many. If a complaint is received, it must be thoroughly examined.
A spokesperson for the government said, ‘We take claims of misbehavior very seriously, and there are rigorous systems in place for voicing concerns. In addition, all ministerial appointments adhere to established procedures.
All potential government personnel are subject to the requisite investigations and screenings. We do not comment on specific people