The Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament is clear. In addition to adherence to financial probity and working in the public interest, MPs should treat colleagues and staff with “dignity, courtesy and respect”.
Watching pornography on your phone — in the Commons chamber — falls short on several fronts, managing to combine unacceptable sexist behaviour with a stunning disregard for the public. Yet this cannot be dismissed as a lapse in judgement by an individual. We are long past the “one bad apple” defence. This latest accusation speaks to the broader culture in Westminster.
