Former Tory MP reprimanded for sexual misconduct

Former Conservative MP Aaron Bell has been reprimanded by Parliament's behaviour watchdog for "brazen and drunken" sexual misconduct.

Bell was found to have touched a woman "on her left thigh, waist and bottom inappropriately and without her consent" in one of Parliament's bars in December 2023.

The Independent Expert Panel (IEP) concluded that if Bell had still been an MP it would have considered suspending him from Parliament "for a significant period".

Bell announced his decision to step down as the MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme earlier this year citing personal and family reasons.

The complaint against the MP was lodged in February 2024 and subsequently upheld.

The IEP concluded that Bell had "abused his position of power over the complainant".

The panel added: "Not only was he considerably older, but he was also a Member of Parliament therefore holding a particularly powerful role.

"In addition, he was an assistant government whip which is not only a… role with considerable authority, but also… involves upholding the highest standards of conduct.

"It does not reduce the seriousness of the conduct that it took place in a bar.

"Any Member of Parliament in that setting remains a person with particular power and authority.

"Indeed, sexual misconduct such as this, which is both brazen and drunken, makes the conduct more serious as the level of threat is increased."