Suspended Labour MP ‘boasted about taking prostitutes to parliament’
A Labor MP suspended by allegations of sexual harassment is facing fresh allegations that he “bragged” about bringing sex workers into parliamentary bars.
Geraint Davies has been suspended pending an investigation into reports of “incredibly serious allegations of totally unacceptable conduct”.
A woman then filed a formal complaint Politically It was initially reported that five other women had made allegations of sexual harassment against the politician. The MP said he did not “acknowledge” the claims.
A Labor MP and colleague later told Sky News it was “known” that Mr Davies would “display” sex workers on the terrace outside one of the Commons bars.
“He openly boasted about bringing escorts and prostitutes onto the terrace and putting them on display,” the MP told the broadcaster.
The MP described Mr Davies as “a fake man” and “a sleazy man”, adding: “He looked you up and down, made lewd comments and touched your waist when he came up behind you.”
A Labor colleague said they saw him on the terrace with young women and said there was talk of “preferring Eastern Europeans”.
Politically reported that two younger female MPs had claimed that Mr Davies, who had served twice in Parliament in 21 years, had touched them without their consent.
The website said it spoke to more than 20 incumbent MPs and Labor staffers who detailed allegations of improper conduct dating back at least five years.
The decision to administratively suspend the Swansea West MP means his whip will be removed in Westminster pending a review.
A Labor spokeswoman said: “These are incredibly serious allegations of totally unacceptable conduct.” We strongly encourage anyone with a complaint to come to the Labor Party’s inquiry.
“Each complainant has access to an independent support service that provides confidential and independent guidance and advice from outside experts throughout the process.”
Geraint Davies faces sexual harassment charges
(PA)
Labor is conducting its own investigation into the claims made against Mr Davies. Labor is also reviewing the formal processes for lodging grievances, party general secretary David Evans said in an email to workers.
Mr Davies has not responded to any of Sky News’ allegations, but on the initial claims he said: “I do not accept the proposed claims and I do not know who made them.” As far as I know, none of them have been filed as a complaint with the Labor Party or Parliament.”
It is the latest set of allegations in the so-called ‘Pestminster scandal’, which has involved allegations of inappropriate sexual conduct against MPs or other high-profile figures.
Labor MP Charlotte Nichols has said a group of around 30 MPs had been warned to stay away from her election in 2019 – and said there was something “deeply rotten” in Westminster culture.
She told BBC Radio 4 world in one that Labor officials are aware of the allegations about current Labor MPs but “can’t even keep our own house in order”.
Labor MP Charlotte Nichols says the party ‘cannot even keep our own house in order’
(PA Media)
Ms Nichols said the party only acted to have Mr Davies suspended as “damage control”, adding: “They have known about this type of behavior for a very long time, not just from him but from others and they have known each other decided not to act.”
She added: “In the other cases, they are aware – including one of our colleagues who was reported to the police for assault, who is still the party leader, who is still on the front lines, that the party has decided not to act.”
The frontbencher case mentioned by Ms Nichols was investigated by the Metropolitan Police on allegations of sexual assault.
Police announced in May that they had dropped their investigation “at the request of the victim.” Labor said officers had not been contacted by police nor had they received a formal complaint related to the allegation.
Criticizing both Labor’s and the wider House of Commons’ grievance processes, Ms Nichols said: “None of the systems that we have in place are effective… It’s left to individuals to try to protect themselves as much as they can.” Obviously that’s not normal what happens in the workplace. It is profoundly strange.”
Meanwhile, MPs and colleagues accused of sexual offenses or violent behavior could be banned from staying in Parliament’s seat under new rules due to be passed this month.
The House of Commons is expected to vote on proposals to prevent colleagues from coming to Parliament or attending committee trips if they are under police investigation for misconduct – the debate is set for June 12. Currently there are only voluntary agreements with MEPs who are under investigation to keep them away from Parliament.
The proposals were thought to be aimed at blocking MPs or colleagues if they were charged with a crime by the police, but The times reported that there are discussions about further tightening the rules and excluding politicians at an earlier stage, namely at the time of arrest by the police.
Under the new system, which will be scrutinized by a Commons Commission, a group of officers will investigate MPs or colleagues accused of an offence. They would then report to a separate panel of senior politicians to decide whether the MP or peer should be expelled.
A Commons spokesman: “The proposals are currently being finalized by the Commission in cooperation with the House of Lords and will be published in due course.”
Mr Davies and Labor have been contacted for comment on the latest allegations.
