It was an accusation of sexual assault that ultimately brought down Boris Johnson's government. When Conservative MP and whip Chris Pincher was accused of groping two men in a private members' club, the scandal was not so much the act itself but the accusations of a "cover up". In The Open Secret, a three part series from Sky News, political correspondent Liz Bates hears from others who have been scared to speak out about inappropriate behaviour and finds out why Westminster seems to struggle to deal with such claims.
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It was an accusation of sexual assault that ultimately brought down Boris Johnson's government. When Conservative MP and whip Chris Pincher was accused of groping two men in a private members' club, the scandal was not so much the act itself but the accusations of a "cover up". In The Open Secret, a three part series from Sky News, political correspondent Liz Bates hears from others who have been scared to speak out about inappropriate behaviour and finds out why Westminster seems to struggle to deal with such claims.
As yet more accusations of bullying and harassment shake Westminster – has such behaviour become normalised in parliament, and can things change for the better?
On the final of this three-part series, Sky's political correspondent Liz Bates speaks to a former Chief Whip about their role in protecting MPs and parties' reputations. And, a former Conservative minister on why she believes things got worse under Boris Johnson's leadership.
Plus, as the Speaker Lindsay Hoyle calls for 'radical action', can his Speakers’ Conference bring about the changes needed to make Westminster safer and restore public trust in politicians?
If you want to get in touch about anything you hear in this episode, Liz is on twitter @wizbates
Presenter: Liz Bates Political news editor: Agnes Chambre Podcast editor: Philly Beaumont Podcast producer: Rosie Gillott Sound designer: Tom Burchill Podcast promotions producer: David Chipakupaku
The Open Secret
It was an accusation of sexual assault that ultimately brought down Boris Johnson's government. When Conservative MP and whip Chris Pincher was accused of groping two men in a private members' club, the scandal was not so much the act itself but the accusations of a "cover up". In The Open Secret, a three part series from Sky News, political correspondent Liz Bates hears from others who have been scared to speak out about inappropriate behaviour and finds out why Westminster seems to struggle to deal with such claims.
