Political parties to hand role of investigating misconduct by MPs to independent body

Proponents hope proposals will standardise complaints system and boost confidence after succession of misconduct scandals involving both Labour and Conservative MPs. Photograph: Maureen McLean/REX/Shutterstock

Political parties are on course to hand over responsibility for examining allegations of bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct by MPs to parliament’s independent investigator.

A parliamentary committee is preparing to endorse proposals to refer complaints about MPs’ misconduct to the Independent Complaints and Grievance System (ICGS), instead of letting political parties deal with them.