New investigator of MPs will look into explosive allegations | Politics | News
Parliament appoints an investigator to look into potentially career-devastating complaints, including bullying, harassment, sexual abuse and other serious allegations. The person will need to demonstrate that they have “significant experience investigating high-profile, complex and serious allegations that could result in career-ending sanctions.”
The role’s salary ranges from £70,967 to £83,926. The appointment comes after the union representing many rank-and-file workers in Parliament called for a change in culture so people are no longer victims of “harassment or intimidation”.
The successful applicant for the role of director of investigations will lead investigations, collect and evaluate evidence into breaches of the code of conduct that MPs must follow, while supporting Parliamentary Standards Commissioner Daniel Greenberg. He will play a key role in interviewing MPs and witnesses and preparing “impartial recommendations” at the end of the investigation.
The appointee will also oversee investigations by external investigators into complaints of “harassment, bullying or sexual misconduct by MPs.”
Official parliamentary guidance says bullying can include “verbal abuse such as shouting, swearing, threatening, insulting, being sarcastic, mocking or belittling others, inappropriate nicknames or derogatory language”. It may also include “practical pranks, initiation rites or rituals,” ostracism, and physical and psychological intimidation.
The investigator is expected to keep “impeccable” records and have “experience in a professional disciplinary system, regulatory agency or civil justice administration.” Another requirement is “experience evaluating evidence, preparing impartial recommendations, and handling highly confidential material.”
The person must have the ability to build relationships with high-profile individuals “while maintaining personal resilience” and be able to demonstrate “political neutrality,” preferably in a sensitive environment.
A spokesman for the PCS union pressed for a change in culture at the Palace of Westminster, saying: “Staff working in Parliament have the right to a safe, respectful workplace. MPs must adhere to a code of conduct and procedural protocols and there must be clear policies and procedures to ensure complaints made are appropriately investigated.”
“Staff must never tolerate harassment or intimidation and the culture at Westminster must change so everyone is treated fairly and safely.”
The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards received 2,995 written allegations and inquiries in 2024-25. Sixteen code of conduct surveys were completed, lasting an average of 63 days.
