Sunak has Raab’s fate in his hands
Spectator (UK)Nov 25, 2022
Tory MP Peter Bone Suspended Over Bullying, Sexual Misconduct Allegations
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The Facts
British Conservative MP Peter Bone has been recommended for a six-week suspension due to allegations that he hit, verbally abused, and put his bare private parts in the face of a male staffer over a three-month period in late 2012.
Parliament's Independent Expert Panel (IEP) wrote that Bone "committed many varied acts of bullying" against the staffer in 2012 and 2013 — including "repeatedly" pressuring him to give him massages in the office — and "one act of sexual misconduct" when he exposed himself in the hotel during a trip to Madrid.
The Spin
Left narrative
After years of filing complaints, it took an independent panel reviewing these heinous allegations to hold Bone to account. These are not vague accusations from a disgruntled employee, but rather gut-wrenching descriptions of what a young staffer had to endure at the command of his abusive superior. Two Tory prime minister's were incapable of taking this seriously — the public deserves to make an informed choice about who they want representing them in government.
Right narrative
While it's reasonable to be outraged by these allegations, it's unfair to claim that conservatives brushed the issue under the rug. The complainant withdrew his original accusation before it could be processed, which is why the government couldn't pursue an investigation or subsequent punishment. As is clear from the suspension and potential recall vote, the government is taking these allegations seriously under Tory leadership.