Parliament’s standards watchdog has reprimanded ex-Tory MP Aaron Bell for « brazen and drunken » sexual misconduct.
A panel concluded the former MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme, who stood down at the election in July, « abused his position of power » by touching a woman « on her left thigh, waist and bottom inappropriately and without her consent » while in one of Parliament’s bars in December 2023.
Had Mr Bell still been an MP, the panel said it would have considered suspending him from Parliament « for a significant period ».
Responding to the finding that he had breached Parliament’s rules on sexual misconduct, Mr Bell said: « I am disappointed at the outcome of the investigation but have chosen not to appeal the findings of the Commissioner.
« This investigation was one of the reasons I chose not to seek re-election at the general election – I have let down the loyal members of my association and thank them for the support they gave me as a Member of Parliament.
« I would also like to apologise to the people of Newcastle-under-Lyme, whom it was an honour to serve.
« This has been a difficult time for my family and I would ask that their privacy is respected at this time. »
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