Theresa May has defended her handling of the Westminster sleaze scandal as she called for a “new culture of respect” in public life.
The Prime Minister said a “number of issues” that “didn’t appear in the press” had led to action being taken, with MPs referred to the internal Tory grievance procedure.
Speaking at the CBI conference, Mrs May said the scandal was about the “use and abuse of power” as she renewed calls for a new cross-party approach to tackling the problem.
Asked if she could say “hand on heart” that she had not been aware of sleaze allegations before the scandal broke, she said: “Obviously what has happened over the last week, a number of stories have appeared in the press.
“A number of issues were raised with me that didn’t appear in the press and you can see action has been taken.
“A number of people have been referred to the Conservative Party’s grievance procedure and arrangements have been put in place.
“And a number of people have been referred to the Cabinet Secretary, where they are in ministerial positions it is appropriate for the Cabinet Secretary to look at these issues.”
In her speech to business leaders in London, Mrs May said: “What has been revealed over the last few weeks has been deeply troubling – and has understandably led to significant public unease.
“Women and men should be able to work free from the threat or fear of harassment, bullying or intimidation.
“But for too long the powerful have been able to abuse their power, and their victims have not felt able to speak out.”
Mrs May, who is hosting a meeting of party leaders later to address the issue, said: “Let me be very frank – political parties have not always got this right in the past. But I am determined to get it right for the future.”
She wants to establish a new common, robust and independent grievance procedure for people working in Parliament – who currently face having to confront their MP employer or go to their political party.
“We need to establish a new culture of respect at the centre of our public life,” she said.
“One in which everyone can feel confident that they are working in a safe and secure environment, where complaints can be brought forward without prejudice and victims know that those complaints will be investigated properly.
“And where people’s careers cannot be damaged by unfounded rumours circulated anonymously online.
“Of course, people can be friends with their colleagues and consensual relationships can develop at work – this isn’t about prying into private lives. What we are talking about is the use and abuse of power.”