Laura Hughes in London. When the tide of sexual harassment allegations swept across Westminster last year, Lucy experienced a rush of both horror and exoneration.
For two years, in her early twenties, she had grimaced at the behaviour of her boss, who is still a Conservative MP. The smallest thing could set him off. After struggling to find any official in the party or parliament who she trusted enough to complain to, she left politics a few years ago, without a job to go on to.
The culture of secrecy has lasted for generations. But as the MeToo phenomenon shook industries from Hollywood to business, it also exposed a UK political system that allows lawmakers to enjoy a position of unusual power. When this power is exploited, their victims often feel there is nowhere they can turn. Many, like Lucy, simply choose to walk away.
The FT carried out this investigation after becoming aware of a handful of cases in which MPs had sexually harassed, assaulted or bullied their staff. It soon emerged that a large number of culprits and victims continue to work in parliament.
Some were still reeling from recent experiences, others shared stories they had kept quiet about for years. The taboo around the subject of sexual harassment and assault persists. A dozen of the interviewees were prepared to be quoted only on condition of anonymity. Not one was prepared to go on the record or willing to allow the FT to publicly name and approach their alleged abusers for fear of repercussions.
