Conservative MP Dan Poulter cleared of 'scurrilous' allegations
Dan Poulter says he is "entirely unsurprised" to "have finally been exonerated of any misconduct or inappropriate behaviour".
Sunday 25 March 2018 15:49, UK
A Conservative MP has been cleared of "false and scurrilous" claims of inappropriate behaviour.
Dan Poulter, MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, was investigated after a formal complaint was made his Tory colleague Andrew Bridgen.
Dr Poulter, who was first elected in 2010, said the five months since the claims were made had been "incredibly difficult for me and have at times taken a considerable toll on my health".
He said: "I am pleased although entirely unsurprised that, after five months, I have finally been exonerated of any misconduct or inappropriate behaviour.
"The allegations brought against me were false and scurrilous.
"I have no idea why a fellow Conservative MP should have irresponsibly sought publicity by attaching his name to these claims in a newspaper article."
Dr Poulter said his lawyers were pursuing legal action against the Sunday Times over the allegations.
He also called for the way the Conservative Party investigates such claims to be reformed, saying the process should be able to separate "smears" from valid complaints.
Dr Poulter said: "I appreciate that the committee left no stone unturned in investigating these unsubstantiated complaints against me.
"It is absolutely right that the Conservative Party wants an exemplary complaints process.
"Such a process is plainly vital in any modern workplace and I know the system constructed in haste by the Conservative Party last year, is already under regular review.
"That review process must ensure that the system evolves to become able to separate unsubstantiated hearsay or smears, from valid complaint which genuinely require investigations.
"I believe this needs to be addressed in the interests of everyone working in Parliament and for the Conservative Party."
A Conservative Party spokesman said: "A thorough and impartial investigation of a complaint took place and a panel chaired by an independent QC found there was insufficient evidence to support the complaint.
"We will thoroughly investigate all allegations of code of conduct breaches and encourage complainants to come forward, on a strictly confidential basis."