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Charities criticise Tory Chief Whip for refusing to suspend Conservative MP accused of rape

The Conservative Chief Whip Mark Spencer has faced criticism from some Tory MPs for failing to suspend an MP and former minister accused of rape
The Conservative Chief Whip Mark Spencer has faced criticism from some Tory MPs for failing to suspend an MP and former minister accused of rape

Charities have accused the Conservative Party of "minimising violence against women" by refusing to suspend an MP who is the subject of a rape investigation.

Women's Aid was among the groups which joined unions to say the party's lack of action suggested a "failure to believe victims".

It came as the woman who accused the former minister of attacking her alleged that Conservative Party Chief Whip Mark Spencer – to whom she made a complaint in April – prioritised the MP's well-being over her own.

The former Parliamentary aide claims Mr Spencer acted to ensure "pastoral care" for the MP but did nothing to investigate her allegations.

Mr Spencer disputes the woman’s version of events. The Chief Whip – who is responsible for party discipline – has faced criticism from some Tory MPs for failing to suspend the MP.

Some have pointed out that it means women who want to book a constituency surgery slot with their local MP have no idea whether they are meeting an alleged rapist.

The MP was arrested on Saturday and bailed after being questioned over a number of alleged sex offences.

Women's Aid, the Fawcett Society, the Centenary Action Group, the TUC and the biggest trade unions representing staff in Parliament – Prospect, Unite, PCS and the FDA – said in a joint statement: "Given the seriousness of the allegations, we're calling for the MP to be suspended pending a full investigation.

"The House of Commons should be no different from any other workplace. Safety and the safeguarding of staff must be paramount. Failure to suspend is yet another example of minimising violence against women and girls and failure to believe victims and survivors when they bravely speak out."

The former researcher told friends that she arranged to speak to the Chief Whip via the Members and Peers’ Staff Association (Mapsa), which represents Parliamentary workers. She said her Mapsa representative later informed her that Mr Spencer had taken action to make sure the MP was receiving support, while she was "offered nothing".

A source close to the Chief Whip said on Tuesday night that the alleged victim’s claim did not “tally” with the Chief Whip’s records.

The Chief Whip's office has previously said the woman did not make any allegations of a sexual nature against the MP during their conversation in April.

The woman claims to have been assaulted four times between July 2019 and January this year, including a rape that left her needing hospital treatment.

Mr Spencer has said he will not suspend the MP while a police investigation is ongoing, and that to suspend the MP, which would identify him, would put the alleged victim's anonymity at risk.

The woman has said she wants the MP to be suspended and does not believe there is a risk of her identity becoming known.