‘I feel safer outside’: Commons staffer tells of bullying and absurd workloads

‘Sadly, it’s not uncommon in Westminster to enter a bathroom and find a member of MPs’ staff in tears,’ says the staffer. Photograph: xavierarnau/Getty Images

A survey of MPs’ staff has shown rising numbers experiencing clinical levels of psychological distress. But the problem runs far deeper than the recent tensions over war in the Middle East, according to one staffer.

“I’ve worked in Westminster for nearly three years and I can honestly say I feel safer outside the House of Commons than inside it.