Westminster sleaze scandal: the politicians' scalps that have been claimed so far

Ellen Manning

The ongoing Westminster sex harassment scandal has seen the downfall of several politicians, with more likely to come.

As allegations continue to emerge, Home Secretary Amber Rudd has said the wave of sleaze allegations will lead to a “clear-out” and Westminster would be better for it.

Ms Rudd’s comments came as fresh allegations emerged against former defence secretary Sir Michael Fallon.

The comments came after Jane Merrick alleged in The Observer that the Mr Fallon lunged at her and tried to kiss her after a 2003 lunch when she was a 29-year-old junior political reporter.

As the scandal continues to unfold, here are the political figures who have resigned or been suspended so far:-

:: Sir Michael Fallon

<em>Allegations – Sir Michael resigned, admitting his behaviour had ‘fallen below the high standards required’ of his role (Picture: PA)</em>
Allegations – Sir Michael resigned, admitting his behaviour had ‘fallen below the high standards required’ of his role (Picture: PA)

The Defence Secretary’s was the first head to roll in the scandal sweeping Westminster after it emerged he had repeatedly put his hand on a journalist’s knee during a party conference dinner in 2002.

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The veteran Conservative quit, acknowledging he had “fallen below the high standards required” of the role.

Journalist Jane Merrick has since alleged that he tried to kiss her after a 2003 lunch when she was a 29-year-old junior political reporter. Ms Merrick contacted Downing Street about her claims just hours before Sir Michael’s shock resignation.

:: Carl Sargeant

<em>Carl Sargeant lost his Welsh Government role and was suspended by the party following allegations about his ‘personal conduct’ (Picture: PA)</em>
Carl Sargeant lost his Welsh Government role and was suspended by the party following allegations about his ‘personal conduct’ (Picture: PA)

Carl Sargeant resigned as cabinet secretary for communities and children in the Welsh Government following allegations about his personal conduct.

A spokesman for First Minister Carwyn Jones said Mr Sargeant had been “removed” from the Cabinet while a Welsh Labour spokesman said he had been “suspended from party membership, and therefore the Labour whip in the National Assembly for Wales, while an investigation into allegations received takes place”.

Mr Sargeant said he wanted an independent investigation “to allow me to clear my name”.

:: Kelvin Hopkins

<em>Denial – suspended Labour MP Kelvin Hopkins said he “absolutely and categorically” denied allegations (Picture: PA)</em>
Denial – suspended Labour MP Kelvin Hopkins said he “absolutely and categorically” denied allegations (Picture: PA)

Labour MP Kelvin Hopkins has been suspended while the party investigates claims he sent suggestive texts and acted inappropriately towards party activist Ava Etemadzadeh.

Mr Hopkins has “absolutely and categorically” denied the allegations.

:: Charlie Elphicke

<em>Charlie Elphicke has had the Conservative whip suspended following serious allegations that have been referred to the police (Picture: PA)</em>
Charlie Elphicke has had the Conservative whip suspended following serious allegations that have been referred to the police (Picture: PA)

Tory chief whip Julian Smith said the Dover and Deal MP’s has had the Conservative Whip suspended following “serious allegations that have been referred to the police”.

Mr Elphicke, a member of the Commons Treasury Select Committee and a Government whip under former prime minister David Cameron, denies any wrongdoing.

:: Mark McDonald

<em>Apology – Scottish Minister Mark McDonald resigned over past actions he said had been “considered to be inappropriate” (Picture: PA)</em>
Apology – Scottish Minister Mark McDonald resigned over past actions he said had been “considered to be inappropriate” (Picture: PA)

The SNP minister for childcare and early years in the Scottish Government resigned over past actions he said had been “considered to be inappropriate”.

Mr McDonald, MSP for Aberdeen Donside, apologised “to anyone I have upset” and said previous behaviour he had thought “humorous or attempting to be friendly” might have made others uncomfortable.

(Top picture: Getty)

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