The current sexual harassment story is the third scandal of this type I have experienced at Westminster since 1992. It will pass but only if we do the right things. It is serious and we must act. We must put in place a grievance system that people, especially junior members of staff, who feel they are being sexually harassed can contact immediately. It must be confidential, independent and have power to act if evidence demonstrates a problem.
The problem at Westminster mirrors problems in the workplace all over the country. In many modern places of employment systems proper systems have been put in place to stamp out inappropriate behaviour successfully. Unfortunately Westminster is anything but a usual or modern working environment, and we need to catch up.
In a generation obsessed with sex, it should come as no surprise that this kind of problem has surfaced. Our media and the internet is full of salaciousness and this has impact. We know that all human beings are flawed and likely to fall from the straight and narrow, especially when the culture around them appears to encourage it.
Politics attracts people who are risk-takers. Add to that: separation from family, access to alcohol, opportunity in abundance, long working hours - it is a recipe for trouble. I make no excuses for inappropriate behaviour, but neither should we be too quick to judge, because we know what imperfections we all contain.
Change must come and most of it will be welcome. A modern human resources system of some kind and a grievance procedure is essential. This might remove some autonomy from MPs in terms of how we run our offices, which would be a backward step. Sadly, as after the 2009 expenses scandal, it might be necessary to over-react to re-establish public confidence.
The greatest impact might be the traditional Whip’s Office which all parties have. It was commonplace, for decades, for people to fess up to their whip that they have transgressed and assistance would be rendered. The focus would be to keep the problem under wraps so as not to create waves. That will no longer suffice and reference to either the relevant authoritieswill have to be the norm.
Society is changing and the body politic must change with it. There will be some casualties, but we will get this sorted. That’s one reason our nation is so great – we are good at solving problems without revolutions.