Two Conservative MPs have written to Conservative leader Chris Heaton-Harris to demand a new code of conduct for MPs in the wake of the Chris Pincher scandal.
Caroline Nokes, chair of the Select Committee on Women and Equality, and Karen Bradley, chair of the Procedures Committee, also said any Conservative MP who is under investigation for “sexual misconduct” should take the Conservative whip out.
The letter read: “Recent incidents have shown an inconsistent and unclear approach by the party to cases of sexual misconduct. The Party and, by extension, the Government are at risk of serious damage to reputation by the current approach. .
“We urge you to act swiftly to introduce a code of conduct for all Conservative members of Parliament that is clear in terms of behavioral expectations and that can be applied in a fair and independent manner to avoid any suspicion of bias.
“In the meantime, we urge you to use a zero – tolerance policy on these issues and to ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted into each and every case.
“Once an investigation has been completed, a decision should be made on the return of the whip, but in the meantime, no one subject to this investigation should be able to sit as a Conservative MP and represent the party in any office.” .