Brazen Tory minister pictured door-knocking with banned ‘sex bully’ MP Peter Bone

A prime Tory has shockingly backed bullying and intercourse abuse claims MP Peter Bone.

DWP Minister Tom Pursglove went door-knocking with his pal, who denies wrongdoing, because the PM was blasted for shedding management of his social gathering. It got here simply 48 hours after Mr Bone was banned from the Commons.

Mr Pursglove, 34 is a buddy of veteran backbencher Mr Bone, now serving a six-week suspension over bullying and sexual misconduct claims. The pair’s constituencies are subsequent door to one another in Northamptonshire – and Corby MP Mr Pursglove was solely too completely happy to hitch his pal drumming up assist for the Tories in his Wellingborough seat forward of a council election.

But some constituents have been shocked to see their banned MP, with one later telling us “mud sticks”. And Labour Party Chair Anneliese Dodds mentioned it “beggars belief” a Minister thinks its “appropriate to walk hand-in-hand with someone suspended for bullying and sexual harassment”.

Mr Bone, 71, was discovered by Westminster’s sleaze watchdog committee to have engaged in a “wilful pattern of bullying” by throwing issues at his aide, placing him, and verbally abusing him. Parliament’s Independent Expert Panel additionally upheld a criticism of sexual misconduct after Mr Bone was discovered to have uncovered himself to the aide in a Madrid resort room in 2013.

Mr Pursglove yesterday refused to justify his resolution to marketing campaign with a shamed MP when confronted by the Sunday Mirror. Asked if he thought it was applicable to be out canvassing with Mr Bone, he remained silent.

Last 12 months the Tory had posted a web-based letter to Corby constituents saying sexual harassment in public locations was “totally unacceptable” and “no one should be forced to change the way they live to avoid abuse”. Mr Pursglove additionally backed ex-Home Secretary Priti Patel throughout a bullying inquiry in 2020.

When we approached Mr Bone throughout his door-knocking on an property, he replied: “I’d love to talk to you but we’re out canvassing. Have a nice day.” He then waved cheerfully as he and Mr Pursglove drove off collectively.

It is available in per week by which the Tories have been additionally rocked by the arrest of ex-minister Crispin Blunt on suspicion of rape and using managed substances. The Reigate MP confirmed he had twice been interviewed by police, however says he’s assured he gained’t be charged.

Meanwhile Prime Minister Rishi Sunak remains to be reeling from two heavy by-election defeats this month, with Labour storming to victory in Tamworth and Mid Bedfordshire. The contest in Tamworth was triggered by the resignation of yet one more disgraced Conservative MP, Chris Pincher, 54, who stop after shedding an attraction in opposition to a suspension for drunkenly groping two males.

The allegations in opposition to the previous Deputy Chief Whip sparked the top of Boris Johnson’s reign final 12 months as questions on what he knew concerning the scandal triggered a wave of ministerial resignations. Now one other nightmare by-election for the Tories looms as Wellingborough residents select whether or not besides out Mr Bone, who at present has a 18,540 majority. If 10% of voters within the constituency signal a so-called recall petition by December 19, then a by-election is triggered.

Ms Dodds mentioned the Tories had descended into “absolute farce”. She mentioned: “The allegations against Peter Bone are extremely serious. Rishi Sunak has lost control of his party. “The people of Wellingborough deserve better.” She known as on Mr Bone to face down for his constituents’ sake.

In Wellingborough on Saturday, Rob Avery, 57, mentioned he was shocked when Mr Bone approached his home. He mentioned: “I’m normally a Conservative voter but they’ve been through a difficult patch these last few years.” A 75-year-old man, who didn’t need to give his identify, additionally spoke to Mr Bone on the doorstep. He mentioned: “I’ve met him before and he gave me some help. But mud sticks.”

In an announcement after the IEP report, Mr Bone mentioned: “None of the misconduct allegations against me ever took place.” No 10 and the Tory Party declined to remark.