Westminster is haemorrhaging female employees and MPs. What kind of environment is this in the 21st century? Just last week SNP politician Mhairi Black stood down over the toll being a young female MP took on her. Look too at the latest accusations against Solihull MP Julian Knight, who is alleged to have sexually harassed three women — claims which he denies.
Many women do not feel safe within the walls of Westminster. I’ve worked a stone’s throw away in Whitehall and know many people who work within Parliament. I have witnessed both the positive impact of its institutions and the negative consequences of systems that seem to be designed to protect those working within Parliament and its surrounding areas.
Last year, Channel 4 News surveyed staff working for MPs across Westminster and found more than one in 10 said they had been sexually harassed. A total of 51 per cent said a colleague had confided in them about experiencing sexual harassment. Numbers like these should have been a wake-up call, but sadly they were not. Now we have a slew of new misconduct cases and more female MPs seeking to step down at the next election. It’s time to clean house.
We have a slew of misconduct cases and more female MPs quitting — it is time to clean up the house
The problem lies not solely in the so-called drinking culture of Westminster, but rather in the significant power imbalance between MPs and their staff. Compare the functioning of MPs’ offices to Whitehall departments: the former are private employers who have considerable power over their staff. The latter are structured, in terms of the relationship between employer and employee, much like any private company in this country.
This disparity makes me, as a woman and activist, uncomfortable. The system in which each MP operates effectively as their own business raises questions about workplace dynamics. Employees have to report the conduct of their employer to that very same employer.
While the implementation of the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme has led to sanctions for several MPs over their unacceptable behaviour — including sexual harassment and bullying — the number of individuals facing repercussions is far from proportional to the scale of the problem.
If we cannot ensure the safety of women and young people working for those who are meant to deliver on behalf of the country, what hope is there for the future?
There is a real need for a basic code of conduct in Westminster. We must challenge the assumption that those we elect inherently possess the knowledge of how to behave appropriately.
We should implement a system where individuals are hired for MPs, rather than allowing the MPs to freely choose their own staff. This could help address the power imbalances that often lead to disasters. It sounds basic, but it’s a start.
Give Damian Lewis a break
Formula One fans and others have taken to social media to mock Damian Lewis’s rendition of the national anthem at the British Grand Prix, which I think is super unfair. I might be saying this because I — like countless women across this city — have a little crush on the ginger hunk, but it really does take a lot of guts to do what he did.
I am sure other middle-aged men wished they could do what he did. I suppose some might even actually do the same at their children’s schools in the next few weeks. So to all those dads seeking to relive their student band days: go off, live your best life. I am sure the kids will be embarrassed but who cares? It’s your moment to take the stage. And who knows, if you are part of the north London dad set like Lewis, you might end up performing with him at the next community disco. I for one would love that.
