Allegations of sexual harassment by Scottish Conservative MP Ross Thomson in a Commons bar have been referred to Westminster’s standards commissioner in a move that could potentially see him sacked.
SNP sources confirmed to The Telegraph that a staff member who claims to have witnessed the alleged incident in Strangers Bar in the Commons last Tuesday evening has made an official complaint to the standards commissioner.
Mr. Thomson has been accused of groping men in the bar whilst intoxicated.
Police are said to have questioned the Aberdeen South MP over his actions after being called to the bar on Tuesday night.
Thomson issued a statement on Friday denying the allegations as “completely false” and that he will return to work on Monday.
However, Thomson has referred himself to the Conservative Party’s disciplinary panel.
On Wednesday, the Metropolitan Police said that officers had been called “to a bar within the Palace of Westminster following a report of sexual touching.”
Following Mr Thomson’s statement, a Scottish Conservative party spokesman said: “The party’s investigation process will now take this matter forward.”
A source close to Thomson told The Sunday Times that he was willing to co-operate with any inquiry into the alleged incident.
Jackson Carlaw, interim leader of the Scottish Conservatives, described the behaviour as “completely unacceptable.” He criticised the Aberdeen South MP in a statement made to the press after First Minister’s Questions at Holyrood.
Carlaw said: “Inquiries are ongoing, however, I know enough to say that the alleged behaviour is completely unacceptable and falls well below the standard I think any of us would expect from any elected representative.”
You must log in to post a comment.