U.K., Oct. 29 -- UK Parliament issued the following news:

The Independent Expert Panel (IEP) has published a report today that requires Tony Vaughan MP to make an apology on the floor of the House of Commons for a breach of Parliament’s bullying and harassment policy.

Independent Expert Panel: The Conduct of Tony Vaughan MP (pdf, 428KB)

Following a complaint under the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS), Mr Vaughan was found by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards to have breached the policy in relation to a member of his constituency staff. Following an appeal by Mr Vaughan, a sub-panel of the IEP confirmed the majority of the Commissioner’s findings.

Mr Vaughan was found to have hugged the complainant without consent at an office event, to have taken her personal mobile phone from her hand to join an online meeting without asking permission, and to have failed to explain why phone calls between them had ended abruptly.

The sub-panel stressed that “oppressive and bullying behaviour towards [MPs’] staff members is wholly unacceptable”, and Mr Vaughan’s actions were breaches of “of basic boundaries and courtesy” rather than failures in management, and an abuse of his power.

In deciding the sanction the sub-panel took into account the ongoing impact of the conduct on the complainant, exacerbated by her previous experiences, and her views on the appropriate sanction. It also took account of Mr Vaughan’s expressions of remorse during the sanctioning process, and the steps he has taken to prevent a reoccurrence of such behaviour.

The sub-panel concluded that Mr Vaughan should be required to make an unreserved apology to the complainant and the House by way of a personal statement in the House of Commons Chamber.

The IEP’s report is available to read on its website. (pdf, 428KB)

Further information

The IEP

The IEP is chaired by retired Lord Justice of Appeal, Rt. Hon Sir Adrian Fulford. The sub-panel for this case was chaired Lyndsey de Mestre KC with Sir Peter Thornton KC, and Dr Mathew Vickers. Full biographies are available on the Panel’s website .

The Independent Expert Panel (IEP) hears:

appeals against decisions made by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards (the Commissioner), and considers referrals from the Commissioner and determines sanctions in cases involving an allegation against an MP of bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct under the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme; and

appeals against decisions by the Committee on Standards in cases involving an allegation against an MP of a breach of the Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament.

Confidentiality

The complainant in this case has not been named. Her identity and that of any witnesses remains confidential.

The ICGS is a confidential process. Everyone involved is required to keep all information about a complaint confidential while it is being investigated and decided. Breaches of confidentiality can pose a risk to the wellbeing of those involved in the process and can inflict reputational damage before a fair and thorough investigation is carried out. They may also deter people from making complaints or providing evidence.

Personal statements

The Speaker can allow any MP to make a personal statement. They are usually related to conduct. For example, if the Standards Committee or IEP determines that an MP should apologise through a personal statement for having breached the Code of Conduct or ICGS policies.

The text must be cleared with the Speaker in advance and must not be altered. Where the IEP has determined that the MP must apologise for breaching the ICGS policies it also requires the text to be agreed by the Chair of the IEP.

Personal statements are made after Question Time and any urgent questions or oral statements.

Find out more about personal statements in the MPs’ Guide to Procedure.

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