A former Labour MP should be stripped of access to Parliament for sexually harassing a young former aide, a standards watchdog recommended today.
Jared O Mara, 39, who represented Sheffield Hallam from 2017 to 2019, bombarded a former aide with inappropriate messages and was later censured by Parliament s standards commissioner.
He decided not to contest the 2019 election and like all MPs who stand down or lose their seat, he was offered a Former Members pass that would allow him access to the Westminster estate.
But today the Commons Independent Expert Panel (IEP) recommenced the pass be withdrawn in light of the allegations against him made by Jennifer Barnes, who worked for him in 2019.
House of Commons could go on tour to Scotland as part of Boris Johnson s plans to boost the Union and see off Nicola Sturgeon s independence push as PM prepares to categorically rule out a second referendum on splitting up the UK
Ministers considering plan to relocate Commons two weeks every September
Would see the Commons rotate between Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales
Supporters of the plan believe it would help deliver a boost to the Union
Could be part of Boris Johnson s wider plan to stop Scottish independence push
PM expected to use speech on Sunday to categorically rule out second vote
Mr Hancock – who tested negative for coronavirus – visited the facility with Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock takes a coronavirus test at a new Covid-19 testing facility in the Houses of Parliament, watched by Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle (Stefan Rousseau/PA)
Sir Lindsay said: “While we have asked Members to participate in business virtually, and House staff on the estate to be kept to a bare minimum, we have to accept that some people need to be here.
“So, I am really pleased we are now in a position to enable every MP and staff member the chance of a test, to help stop this awful virus in its tracks.”