Conservative Member of Parliament Peter Bone is facing a recommended six-week suspension after an Independent Expert Panel (IEP) found him guilty of multiple acts of bullying and one act of sexual misconduct in 2012 and 2013.
The IEP, tasked with investigating allegations of misconduct, presented a report stating that Mr. Bone committed various acts of bullying, with one instance of sexual misconduct. The panel’s recommendation of a six-week suspension from the Commons could potentially trigger a recall petition if approved.
The allegations, numbering five in total, were brought forward in October 2021. The complainant reportedly filed a complaint with then-Prime Minister Theresa May in 2017, which remained unresolved until the IEP’s recent report.
In response to the findings, Mr. Bone, who has represented Wellingborough since 2005, took to social media, stating, “Today, the IEP has published a report finding me guilty of misconduct. As I have maintained throughout these proceedings, none of the misconduct allegations against me ever took place. They are false and untrue claims. They are without foundation.”
Mr. Bone expressed his frustration with the IEP process, stating that he is not allowed to fully respond to the allegations in public, citing procedural restrictions. He emphasised that the events in question occurred over a decade ago and were not raised at the time.
Believing the IEP’s process to be “flawed, procedurally unfair, and not in compliance with its own rules and regulations,” Mr. Bone is exploring potential legal actions, claiming that the panel operated outside the powers given to them by Parliament.
Despite the controversy, he concluded his statement by saying, “It has been a great honour and privilege to represent the people of Wellingborough and Rushden for more than 18 years as their Member of Parliament. I will continue to represent them to the best of my ability.”
