A veteran Tory MP has said the sexual harassment scandal engulfing Westminster has become a "witch hunt."
Sir Roger Gale, who has been MP for North Thanet for 34 years, said MPs and other prominent figures were on a "hiding to nothing" as allegations could be made that would almost impossible to refute.
The 74-year-old said the way claims were being reported undermined the trust between voters and MPs.
"To sell tomorrow's chip wrappings on the back of allegations that are unfounded, and to undermine that trust in that way, I think is despicable."
He added: "In the context, there is no proof that I can see yet of any wrongdoing. There may be things that have been done, a hand on a knee. Fine, you know, 15 years ago that may have been acceptable where it's not today."
Lord Bew told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that harassment investigations could not be "in-house".
He said: "The parties need to get a grip of this issue of accountability. It's vital that these things are not seen to be done in-house.
"It is vital that there are people outside Parliament in cases of harassment, and so on, who are there, who can give some reassurance to the public that this is not just another cover up."
The comments came as a string of MPs moved to deny allegations of inappropriate conduct and the chairman of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, Lord Bew, said outside bodies needed to be involved in investigations to avoid claims of a 'cover up".
Tory MP Charlie Elphicke has been suspended by the party while it investigates allegations made against him.
No details have been made known.
It comes amid growing concern in Westminster over the conduct of politicians following a string of allegations of serious sexual abuse in Parliament.
Sir Michael Fallon resigned as defence secretary earlier this week following allegations about his conduct.
Labour MPs Clive Lewis and Kelvin Hopkins are being investigated by the party over allegations about their behaviour.
Mr Hopkins has "absolutely and categorically" denied inappropriate conduct, while Mr Lewis has said: "I don't, as a rule, grope people's bottoms".
