Tag: Debbie Abrahams

The leader of the House of Commons, Andrea Leadsom, has launched an investigation into allegations of bullying of Commons staff by MPs, a move that will put increased pressure on the Speaker, John Bercow. Leadsom announced the investigation after an urgent question from MPs prompted by a Newsnight investigation alleging that Bercow’s private secretary resigned and had post-traumatic stress disorder after working in his office. The allegations against Bercow surfaced shortly before Debbie Abrahams, the shadow work and pensions secretary, was suspended from her role while an allegation of bullying against her was investigated. Abrahams hit back at the claims on Monday night, counter-accusing members of Jeremy Corbyn’s office of bullying her. Abrahams will be subject to Labour’s internal code of conduct, which can result in individuals requiring employment training, a national executive committee reprimand or not being allowed to use Labour party staff. “Reports of bullying of house staff are of huge concern to me and to honourable members right across the house,” Leadsom said. “I am committed to stamping out all kinds of bullying and harassment in parliament.” Leadsom said she had hoped to cover parliament staff under an independent grievance procedure set up by a cross-party working group at the end of last year, but had been advised that staff were already covered under the House of Commons’ respect policy. “Following the Newsnight allegations and others, it is clear the respect policy may not be sufficient to protect house staff,” Leadsom said. The commission is chaired by Bercow, but when Leadsom was queried about his presence on the commission by the Conservative MP Michael Fabricant, she said the investigation would be led independently. Several Labour MPs spoke out in Bercow’s defence during the debate, including the shadow House of Commons leader, Valerie Vaz, who questioned whether any formal complaints had been received.