EXCL Tory MPs' fury as party launches probe into 'sex pest' dossier
3 min read
Angry Conservative MPs have hit out at party bosses after it emerged a formal probe has been launched into a controversial 'dossier' of alleged sex pests.
The list, which contains around 40 names, began circulating at Westminster more than two months ago at the height of the sexual harassment controversy.
It included unsubstantiated allegations of inappropriate behaviour and rumours about consensual relationships between MPs.
But it has now emerged that Tory chiefs are carrying out a full-scale investigation into the claims contained with the dossier, which is thought to have been drawn up by party researchers.
One MP included on the list said he had been told about the probe shortly before Christmas - but had not been informed about the specific allegations against him.
"I got a letter saying the party was investigating allegations of inappropriate behaviour against me," said the MP. "When I asked what I was supposed to have done, I was told they couldn't tell me.
"It is absolutely ludicrous. I found out from another source what the allegation is, and I know it is completely untrue. Yet I've still got this hanging over me."
RESHUFFLE
Senior figures whose names are also on the list fear their chances of promotion in Theresa May's forthcoming reshuffle - which could take place as early as Monday - have also been hampered
One minister said: "It is a nightmare. The allegations are totally untrue and I don’t understand where they have come from. But I have no way of clearing my name.
"Everyone knows how strongly the PM rightly feels about this issue. Will I be overlooked in the reshuffle because of it? I don’t know – and probably never will – but I fear I could be."
Some MPs broke cover when the dossier was published to condemn those behind it.
Justice minister Dominic Raab said claims that he had taken out "an injunction for inappropriate behaviour with women" were "false and malicious".
He said: "Any insinuation that I have engaged in anything resembling sexual harassment, sexually abusive behaviour or lewd remarks with either parliamentary colleagues or staff (in any job I have done) is false and malicious. I have already taken legal advice."
Michael Fabricant, whose name is also on the list, said he was "the victim" after being accused of being "inappropriate with a male journalist in the back of a taxi".
He said: "I’ve been racking my brains, trying to think, when have I ever even been with a journalist in the back of a taxi? I mean I must have done. I’ve been an MP for 25 years and before that I worked for the BBC, so I must have been with journalists.
"But you know, I mean what did the taxi driver think? It's almost ludicrous. I felt the victim actually. And then I began to think, well how many others are on the list, with far less specific accusations? So mine was a one-off.
"I've asked journalists up in the House of Commons press gallery, because they're a bunch of gossips and they will talk among each other. None of them had heard this story."
Meanwhile, former minister Charlie Elphicke - whose name is also on the list and who was suspended by the Conservatives after police launched a probe into allegations against him - has also hit out at his treatment.
Writing on his Facebook page, he said: "It’s now two months since I was accused of unspecified allegations. To this day, I have not been interviewed by the police and they have not told me what I am accused of or who my accuser is."
A Conservative spokesman said: "Last year we established a new code of conduct and complaints procedure. We do not comment on ongoing investigations."
PoliticsHome Newsletters
PoliticsHome provides the most comprehensive coverage of UK politics anywhere on the web, offering high quality original reporting and analysis: Subscribe
