Theresa May’s top ministers included in the sex pest list – but doubts increase as the dossier includes consensual and workplace relationships
WESTMINSTER plunged deeper into scandal as more Tory ministers were publicly named on a sex pest list.
The PM’s closest political ally Damian Green was dragged into the sleaze row after being identified on the leaked dossier of claims of inappropriate behaviour.
The First Secretary of State, who serves as Theresa May’s deputy, emerged on a database compiled by staff which has been circulating for days.
But doubts have grown about it after it emerged some of the allegations involve relationships between consenting adults.
The list, which has been seen by The Sun and has grown to 44 names, includes Home Secretary Amber Rudd, Northern Powerhouse Minister Jake Berry and former Tory Party Chairman Grant Shapps.
In many cases the politicians are accused of no wrongdoing and are only named because they have had a relationship with another person in Westminster.
Ms Rudd is on the list as having a “workplace relationship” with a fellow MP — and neither has ever denied this.
Mr Berry is named because his partner works for a fellow MP.
Mr Shapps was listed because of rumours allegedly spread by his political rivals that he had an affair, which he denies and branded a smear.
A rookie who has only been a Tory MP since June is accused of “unwanted physical advances on a female”. But one Tory minister said the dossier was “full of b*****ks”, adding: “This is all tickle, and no slap stuff.”
In another whirlwind day of harassment claims in Westminster:
- The full “dirty dossier” was circulated on social media and published in full by foreign media outlets
- Ten senior Tories were identified on the list but none were accused of behaving in an abusive way
- Number 10 refused to back Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon by name after allegations he repeatedly put his hand on a journalist and presenter Julia Hartley-Brewer’s knee
- It was revealed party chiefs kept similar dossiers on their own MPs
Mark Menzies, who quit as a ministerial aide in 2014 after reports he hired a rent boy, features in the database
So too does Education Select Committee chief Robert Halfon, who admitted having an affair with a Tory activist two years ago.
Mr Green was forced to deny being a member of infidelity website Ashley Madison two years ago after his email address appeared on its hacked membership database. Married for three decades, he said he had no idea how it got there.
Asked about Mr Green, a spokesman for the PM said: “I haven’t seen any allegations in relation to the First Secretary of State and I’m not going to comment on speculation in any way.”
Meanwhile, No 10 would only give lukewarm support to Sir Michael, exposed by The Sun. It said Mrs May “has confidence in her Government and her ministers”. But ex-Conservative MP Matthew Parris said the revelations killed off Sir Michael’s outside tilt at becoming PM.
He added: “Michael Fallon’s whole reputation rested on being ‘a safe pair of hands’. “He will now find that phrase greeted with hilarity.”
Downing Street denied it had its own list of Tory backbench sex pest suspects. But ex whip Rob Wilson admitted records of MPs “of concern” were kept for management reasons.
