May launches code of conduct amid sex scandals
AFP, London :
Prime Minister Theresa May released a new code of conduct for Conservative Party representatives on Friday as a sexual harassment scandal dogged the British parliament.
Following Michael Fallon’s resignation as defence secretary, May outlined new procedures for dealing with allegations, as further claims swirled around Westminster.
Her governing Conservatives will adopt a new complaints procedure with a hotline for reporting potential breaches, and officials want the measures replicated in other parties.
May’s announcement follows the flood of sexual assault and harassment claims against Hollywood movie mogul Harvey Weinstein. Those revelations prompted allegations of inappropriate behaviour in Westminster-with several allegations of misuse of power surfacing.
May is due to meet leaders of other parties on Monday to thrash out a cross-party approach, saying it was not right that “vulnerable or concerned people” could be left to “navigate different grievance procedures.”
“There needs to be a common, transparent, independent grievance procedure for all those working in parliament who wish to raise concerns which provides clarity and certainty about how their concerns will be dealt with,” May said.
The new Conservative code applies to the party’s elected representatives, from MPs to local councillors and city mayors, and party officers at all levels.
Fallon quit as defence secretary on Wednesday, saying his behaviour had fallen short of the standards required.
He admitted touching radio presenter Julia Hartley-Brewer’s knee 15 years ago-an incident she said was nothing other than “mildly amusing”.
Prime Minister Theresa May released a new code of conduct for Conservative Party representatives on Friday as a sexual harassment scandal dogged the British parliament.
Following Michael Fallon’s resignation as defence secretary, May outlined new procedures for dealing with allegations, as further claims swirled around Westminster.
Her governing Conservatives will adopt a new complaints procedure with a hotline for reporting potential breaches, and officials want the measures replicated in other parties.
May’s announcement follows the flood of sexual assault and harassment claims against Hollywood movie mogul Harvey Weinstein. Those revelations prompted allegations of inappropriate behaviour in Westminster-with several allegations of misuse of power surfacing.
May is due to meet leaders of other parties on Monday to thrash out a cross-party approach, saying it was not right that “vulnerable or concerned people” could be left to “navigate different grievance procedures.”
“There needs to be a common, transparent, independent grievance procedure for all those working in parliament who wish to raise concerns which provides clarity and certainty about how their concerns will be dealt with,” May said.
The new Conservative code applies to the party’s elected representatives, from MPs to local councillors and city mayors, and party officers at all levels.
Fallon quit as defence secretary on Wednesday, saying his behaviour had fallen short of the standards required.
He admitted touching radio presenter Julia Hartley-Brewer’s knee 15 years ago-an incident she said was nothing other than “mildly amusing”.
