British MP Mark Garnier will face an investigation after a report on Saturday claimed he had asked a female secretary to buy sex toys for him seven years ago.
Health Minister Jeremy Hunt told the BBC on Sunday that Prime Minister Theresa May had asked the Cabinet Office to investigate whether Garnier had broken the government ministers’ code of behaviour. Hunt said the stories are “totally unacceptable”, if true.
Caroline Edmondson, who no longer works with Garnier, had told Mail on Sunday that he had given her money to buy sex toys in 2010 and had also used unsavoury words in a bar in front of others.
Garnier, who is the junior international trade minister in the Theresa May government, did not hold a Cabinet berth at the time of the incidents. He did not deny the claims, but said it did not constitute harassment. “I’m not going to deny it because I’m not going to be dishonest,” he said. “I’m going to have to take it on the chin.”
The Mail report came soon after claims of misogynistic behaviour and sexual harassment against a few other MPs. Prime Minister May wrote to the House of Commons Speaker on Saturday, seeking fresh and stronger rules to protect staff from harassment.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!