MP Lee Anderson has been instructed to apologise to a security officer following a confrontation over his parliamentary pass.
The Reform UK MP reportedly violated Parliament’s bullying and harassment policies after allegedly telling the officer, “F*** off, everyone opens the door to me; you’re the only one” when asked to have his pass checked upon entering the Westminster estate.
Complaint and Investigation Findings
The Parliamentary Standards Commissioner upheld the complaint, finding Anderson’s conduct breached parliamentary behaviour standards. Anderson has expressed a willingness to issue an apology for the incident.
A report from the standards sub-panel noted that Anderson was experiencing “challenging personal circumstances” at the time. His outburst, they concluded, was “unacceptable” but “not planned or premeditated.”
Power Imbalance and Standards in Parliament
The report emphasised the “power imbalance” between Anderson and the security officer, underscoring Parliament’s behaviour code, which prohibits the misuse of authority.
The watchdog recommended Anderson apologise to the security officer in writing. Additionally, he should deliver a personal apology statement in the House of Commons.
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