Tory MP Peter Bone suspended for six weeks from Commons for bullying
MPs) have voted in a decision to suspend Peter Bone from the House of Commons for a duration of six weeks. He was suspended following an inquiry that determined he engaged in bullying and displayed inappropriate sexual conduct towards a former staff member.
This suspension is expected to trigger a by-election in his Wellingborough constituency, which was previously a secure seat for the Conservative Party, but recent polls suggest it may change hands in favor of the Labour Party.
The parliamentary ethics committee established that Mr. Bone had allegedly engaged in indecent exposure and physically assaulted a staff member.
However, Mr. Bone vehemently denies these allegations.
MPs voted in favor of suspending Mr. Bone from parliament for six weeks, without requiring a division.
The suspension had been recommended by Parliament's Independent Expert Panel (IEP).
The inquiry stemmed from a complaint filed with the organization by a former staff member, concerning alleged conduct that occurred over a decade ago. Mr. Bone contested the findings of the investigation, claiming it was flawed.
Nevertheless, his appeal was rejected.
Philip Hollobone, Tory MP for Kettering, which neighbors Mr. Bone's constituency, expressed that the expulsion was «a very sad day» in parliament. He noted that Peter had been an outstanding MP for 18 years, helping tens of thousands of local residents with their difficulties.
