Recommendation for Suspension of Tory MP Peter Bone

Conservative Member of Parliament, Peter Bone, is facing a recommended six-week suspension from the House of Commons following an inquiry that found him guilty of bullying and sexual misconduct against a staff member.

The recommendation comes from Parliament’s Independent Expert Panel, which concluded that Bone was responsible for “many varied acts of bullying and one act of sexual misconduct” targeting a staff member during the years 2012 and 2013.

Possible Recall Petition and By-Election

If this suspension is approved by fellow MPs, it could trigger a recall petition, potentially leading to a by-election.

The Independent Expert Panel’s decision has significant implications for Bone’s political future.

Denial of Allegations

Peter Bone vehemently denies these allegations, describing them as “false and untrue” and asserting that they are “without foundation.”

He remains steadfast in his commitment to represent his constituents and rejects the accusations against him.

Bone’s Response to the Investigation

In a social media statement, Bone, who holds the position of deputy leader of the House of Commons under Prime Minister Boris Johnson, criticized the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme’s investigation into him.

He claims that the investigation was “flawed, procedurally unfair, and didn’t comply with its own rules and regulations.”

Longstanding Allegations

The investigation emerged following a series of allegations made by a Westminster staffer in October 2021.

These allegations were brought forward after an earlier complaint to then-Prime Minister Theresa May in 2017 went unresolved.

The Independent Expert Panel’s report highlights the timeline of these events, underlining the significance of the allegations in question.