IEP reprimands former MP Aaron Bell for “brazen and drunken” sexual misconduct

Mr Bell was found by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards to have ‘touched the complainant on her left thigh, waist and bottom inappropriately and without her consent’ in Strangers’ Bar in December 2023.

The Commissioner’s finding followed a complaint made to the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS) in February 2024; and an investigation by an independent investigator appointed by the ICGS who recommended the complaint was upheld. Mr Bell did not appeal the Commissioner’s finding. The Commissioner referred the case to the IEP to determine the appropriate sanction.

The IEP sub-panel considering the case concluded that it was ‘a serious case of sexual misconduct involving an abuse of power’ that had had an enduring impact on the complainant. It stated that Mr Bell had:

[…] abused his position of power over the complainant. 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. No matter how the respondent or others may view that environment, it is in the workplace […]. 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.

If Mr Bell had still been an MP the sub-panel would have considered suspending him from Parliament ‘for a significant period’, and if he was eligible for a former MPs pass it would have indefinitely suspended it.

The IEP’s report is available to read on its website:

• The Conduct of Aaron Bell HC 317 (pdf, 236KB)

Who can I talk to for support?

If you have experienced an incident that is not in line with our Behaviour Code (pdf, 36KB) we encourage you to reach out to the people and services available to you for advice, support and help. You can find how to access support, and how to make a complaint on the ICGS website.

The IEP

The IEP is chaired by retired Lord Justice of Appeal Rt. Hon Sir Stephen Irwin. The first sub-panel for this case was chaired by Professor Clare McGlynn KC (Hons) with Mrs Lisa Ball and Sir Peter Thornton KC.  Full biographies are available on the Panel’s website.

The Independent Expert Panel (IEP) hears:

• appeals against decisions made by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards (the Commissioner), and considers referrals from the Commissioner and determines sanctions in cases involving an allegation against an MP of a breach of Parliament’s Sexual Misconduct Policy or the Bullying and Harassment policy, under the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme; and
• appeals against decisions by the Committee on Standards in cases involving an allegation against an MP of a breach of the Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament.

Confidentiality

The complainant in this case has not been named. Her identity and that of any witnesses remains confidential.

The ICGS is a confidential process. Everyone involved is required to keep all information about a complaint confidential while it is being investigated and decided. Breaches of confidentiality can pose a risk to the wellbeing of those involved in the process and can inflict reputational damage before a fair and thorough investigation is carried out. They may also deter people from making complaints or providing evidence.