The Tory MP accused of watching porn in the House of Commons was today named as Neil Parish.
The 65-year-old farmer was suspended from the Tory whip on Friday afternoon following days of speculation over his identity. Two female colleagues made the claims against Mr Parish, who when asked about the then-unnamed MP in a TV interview earlier this week, said the whips would do "a thorough investigation".
The MP of 12 years, who chairs the Environment Committee, denied at the time that Parliament had a sexism culture, the Mirror Online reports. He said it was a “very intense area” and “you are going to get people who step over the line”.
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A spokesperson for the Chief Whip told the Mirror: “Having spoken to the Chief Whip this afternoon, Neil Parish MP is reporting himself to the Standards Committee of the House of Commons. Mr Parish has been suspended from the Conservative Whip pending the outcome of that investigation.”
Mr Parish is now thought to be the focus of two investigations - one by Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards Kathryn Stone - who reports to the Standards Committee which makes final rulings - who could investigate if he caused "significant damage to the reputation and integrity" of the Commons. Separately, the Tory MP for Tiverton and Honiton since 2010 is also being investigated by Parliament’s independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme.
It’s understood the nature of the allegations is that Mr Parish is the MP accused of watching porn in the Commons. The Mirror has e-mailed Mr Parish for comment.
Caroline Nokes, chair of the women and equalities committee, had piled pressure on the Chief Whip saying the MP should have “immediately” lost the whip. Labour’s Keir Starmer added Tory chiefs should “take action now”. And senior Tories had already called for the MP to quit Parliament completely - or be booted out - if the porn allegations are proven.
Attorney General Suella Braverman said if the MP did watch adult material they should "no longer holding their privileged position as an MP.” The minister told BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour "I'm ashamed this person is carrying a Conservative rosette" - and if proven, the MP could be expelled or subjected to a recall process.
In an astonishing coincidence, Mr Parish was asked about the porn revelations in a TV interview earlier this week.
Asked if “whoever it is, they would surely have to have the whip removed”, he told GB News: “I think the Whips’ Office will do a thorough investigation and we will wait and see that result.
“I think from that, then the decision will have to be made what action will be taken.”
Asked if there was a problem in Parliament’s culture, Mr Parish replied it was a “very intense area” and “you are going to get people who step over the line”.
He added: “I don’t think there’s necessarily a huge culture thing but I do think it has to be dealt with and dealt with seriously, and In think that’s what the whips will do in our Whips’ Office.”
