Chief whip to investigate claims Conservative MP viewed porn in Commons

The chief whip is set to investigate whether a Conservative MP viewed pornography in the Commons chamber.

Chris Heaton-Harris was faced with complaints on Monday night, after female MPs alleged a male colleague viewed pornography on his mobile phone while seated near them in the Commons.

Twelve to fourteen female MPs were said to have urged the chief whip to probe three cabinet ministers reportedly under investigation for sexual misconduct.

Last week’s Sunday Times alleged that a shocking 56 MPs had been referred to the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme in relation to sexual behaviour, including three ministers and two Labour frontbenchers.

A whips spokesperson said today: “The chief whip is looking into this matter. This behaviour is wholly unacceptable and action will be taken.”

The prime minister told MPs into today’s PMQs that: “Of course sexual harassment is intolerable… of course it’s grounds for dismissal,” when quizzed on the matter by Green party MP Caroline Lucas.