UK politics news – live: Union warns parliament not ‘a safe place to work’ amid latest sex assault scandal

Claims of rape and sexual assault lodged against Tory MP span period of two years

Rishi Sunak fails first electoral test as Labour retains Chester seat

A civil service union has warned that Parliament is not a “safe place to work” after a group of Conservative politicians reported a fellow MP to police over allegations they committed rape and a string of sexual assaults.

The backbench MP was reported to the force by a group of Tory MPs, whose claims against the accused span a period of two years, broadcasterTalkTV reports.

The MP is said to be subject to an investigation by an independent law firm. They have not, however, had the Conservative whip removed or been suspended by party chiefs.

Mike Clancy, the general secretary of Prospect union, says: “This MP remains free to visit the House of Commons and interact with staff despite these very serious allegations.

“This highlights yet again that there is no fit-for-purpose process in place to deal with this type of case and make Parliament a safe place to work.”

It comes after the Conservative party suffered its worst election result in Chester since 1832 after Labour retained the seat with an increased share of the vote.

Key Points

• Rishi Sunak backs Tories who reported MP to police over sexual assault and rape claims
• Tory MP reported to police by colleagues over rape and sexual assault allegations
• Matt Hancock to read dyslexia Bill in Parliament today
• Sunak fails first electoral test as Labour retain Chester seat
• New Chester MP says voters think it is 'Labour's turn'
• Racism must be ‘confronted’, says Sunak

[2 December 2022 06:00 · Stuti Mishra]

Racism must be ‘confronted’, says Sunak

Rishi Sunak has said that racism must be “confronted”, as Buckingham Palaces faces questions after a black domestic abuse campaigner was asked where she “really camefrom” at a royal reception

Ngozi Fulani, founder of the charity Sistah Space, expressed shock at her treatment by the late Queen’s lady in waiting, Lady Susan Hussey, but said she had yet to be contacted by Buckingham Palace to discuss the incident. The prime minister on Thursday declined to comment directly on the row but said that it was right to “confront” racism.

Read more from Adam Forrest:

[2 December 2022 05:30 · Stuti Mishra]

Every payment to help with the cost of living crisis due in December

More cost of living help is set to be paid out over the course of this month.

Here is a guide to what you can expect and who is eligible.

[2 December 2022 05:10 · Stuti Mishra]

Rishi Sunak wrong to ‘wipe the slate clean’ on Braverman, report says

Suella Braverman’s return as home secretary just six days after resigning for leaking secret documents has set a “dangerous precedent” that undermines confidence in the integrity of the government, a cross-party parliamentary report has found, writes Andrew Woodcock.

Rishi Sunak should not have been able to “wipe the slate clean” over a breach of ministerial standards that merited a “significant” period out of office, said the Commons Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee (PACAC).

The committee said that the new ethics adviser whom the prime minister has promised to appoint should not be blocked from investigating Ms Braverman’s actions and recommending further sanctions.

[2 December 2022 04:45 · Stuti Mishra]

New Chester MP says voters think it is 'Labour's turn'

The new MP for Chester has said voters sent a strong message that they think “it’s Labour’s turn”.

Samantha Dixon, the former leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, won the seat in Thursday’s by-election, increasing the Labour majority in what was the first electoral test for prime minister Rishi Sunak.

Speaking to media after the result, she said: “I think I have been in receipt of a very strong message from the voters of Chester that they want the Conservative cost-of-living crisis tackled immediately.

“I don’t think they believe that the Conservatives have the answers, I think they think it’s Labour’s turn now.”

She described the City of Chester as a “bellwether constituency” and said the result was “really, really encouraging”.

[2 December 2022 04:24 · Stuti Mishra]

Sunak fails first electoral test as Labour retain Chester seat

Labour has won the City of Chester by-election, retaining the seat and delivering a defeat to Rishi Sunak in his first electoral test as prime minister.

Local councillor Samantha Dixon reclaimed the seat for Labour with a 10,974 vote majority, with the contest triggered by the resignation of Labour MP Christian

Matheson, after complaints of “serious sexual misconduct” were upheld by a parliamentary watchdog.

Labour hailed the result as one that sent a “clear message” to Mr Sunak and his new administration.

[2 December 2022 03:56 · Stuti Mishra]

Welcome to The Independent’s rolling coverage of all the updates from Westminster on Friday, 2 December. Stay tuned!