MPs could lose their seats if found to have engaged in sexual harassment or bullying under proposed new guidelines, the Guardian understands.
The proposed sanctions, put together by a cross-party working group set up to formulate a new process for sexual harassment complaints, include the parliamentary commissioner for standards being granted powers to suspend MPs, which could lead to recall – a process whereby MPs can lose their seat.
Sources close to the working group said the recommendations would be “serious and heavyweight”.
The group, chaired by the leader of the House of Commons, Andrea Leadsom, was set up after a string of MPs from across the political spectrum were suspended or placed under investigation in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal. It spent six weeks hearing evidence from experts and parliamentary staff.
After the expenses scandal in 2009, an independent process was set up which could ultimately kickstart the recall process for the worst offenders. MPs on the working group are understood to have pointed out the disparity of a system whereby MPs can lose their seats for expenses fraud, but not sexual harassment.
Sources stressed the imposition of sanctions would depend on the details of individual cases, with a range of punishments proportionate to the offence which could include bullying.
Staff who have spoken to the committee have underlined issues with bullying, which many have emphasised is an even more widespread issue in Westminster.
The proposed sanctions represent a significant beefing-up of the proposals after an earlier version, leaked at the start of the year, was criticised by campaigners and MPs who said the guidelines were “too vague”.
The publication of the final report was originally due before Christmas but was delayed as the working group has not yet agreed to its findings, with reports suggesting the Labour party has been unwilling to sign up to certain elements.
At the time the Labour MP, Jess Phillips, who sits on the group, said unless there were firm sanctions in place the guidelines were meaningless.
“We need them to be serious. And ultimately there has to be a method of recall in order to sack MPs,” she said.
According to the Financial Times, which has seen the leaked proposals, the guidelines state: “Sanctions range from apologies, behaviour agreements and additional compulsory training, to suspension from the house [leading to recall], dismissal or loss of parliamentary pass [as appropriate depending on who it was].”
The final plans are expected to be published in early February and will be voted on in both the Commons and the Lords shortly after.
