A Tory minister has said a minority of men in politics "behave like animals".
It comes as Downing Street said the House of Commons has “more to do” to improve its culture after a slew of sex scandals.
Responding to reports that two female Tory MPs said they saw a male colleague watching porn on his phone in the Commons, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “I think what’s clear is that there is a lot to do to improve the culture in parliament.”
The official added: “I think the Defence Secretary talked about some of the challenges in his media round this morning. And some of the themes and evidence given by female MPs is shocking and it’s right that action is being taken where concerns are being raised.”
Defence secretary Ben Wallace said the MP should lose the whip and could face sanctions including the prospect of a by-election if they were found to have watched pornography on their phone in the chamber.
The Tory chief whip has asked the women to refer their allegations to parliament’s independent complaints scheme, which investigates allegations of misconduct.
It comes after sexist slurs were aimed at Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner and separate claims that 56 MPs are currently facing sexual misconduct investigations, including three cabinet ministers and two shadow cabinet ministers.
Attorney General Suella Braverman said a minority of men in politics “behave like animals”,
Braverman said she had never “been made to feel uncomfortable” during her time in Parliament, but there were some “bad apples”.
She said: “My personal experience, I’ve been an MP for seven years, been in the Conservative Party and in politics for 20 years - on no occasion have I been made to feel uncomfortable and all the men I have worked with have been respectful.
“There is however a very small minority of men who fall short - and there are some bad apples who are out of order, who behave like animals and are bringing Parliament into disrepute.”
The law officer's comments came as the SNP's Kirsty Blackman MP insisted that any colleague found guilty of sexual misconduct should be kicked out of the party.
As revealed by the Record last year, an SNP staffer accused Glasgow North MP Patrick Grady and North Ayrshire and Arran member Patricia Gibson in separate incidents which, according to reports, have been upheld by an independent investigation.
In addition a Labour MP has spoken out about lewd comments allegedly made to her by a member of the shadow cabinet.
She said she was described as a “secret weapon” because “women want to be her friend” and men want to sleep with her.
The Welsh MP, who wants to remain anonymous, said it was not the only sexist or misogynistic behaviour she experienced in Parliament or on parliamentary business.
A Labour spokesperson said: “The Labour Party takes all complaints extremely seriously.
“They are fully investigated in line with our rules and procedures, and any appropriate action is taken.”
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