Commons watchdog blasts move by MPs to make Westminster misconduct probes secret
2 min read
The decision by MPs to hide any allegations against them of misconduct has been blasted by Parliament's own watchdog as a “retrograde step”.
Kathryn Stone - who investigates parliamentary sleaze claims - said she was “disappointed” by the astonishing move passed by the Commons last week.
MPs voted to keep the announcement of any investigation into alleged sexual harassment secret in a bid to boost confidentiality.
But in doing so probes about expenses or other misconduct claims will also be kept hidden - and any final reports will only be revealed at the discretion of the complainant.
Critics argued the decision was an overreach and would look to the public like an exercise in covering up bad behaviour.
Ms Stone, the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, called for the decision to hide details about investigations beyond bullying and sexual harassment should be reversed.
“I am disappointed that the House voted last week to curtail the information that I may publish about other cases, outside of the independent complaints and grievance scheme, which I am investigating under the existing code of conduct – at least until an inquiry is completed,” she wrote in the Times.
“This seems to be to be a retrograde step – overturning something previously agreed by the house in 2010.”
She added: “I am confident the committee will join me in wanting this point to be a key part of the six-month review of the implementation of the new scheme.”
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