Uproar as MPs say Andrea Leadsom ‘warm your hands up’ leak came from top Tories

Storm: Andrea Leadsom made private complaint against Sir Michael Fallon
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Theresa May was embroiled in bitter new infighting today as the Government was accused by Tory MPs of leaking Andrea Leadsom’s private complaint about alleged sexual harassment.

A former minister described as “exceptionally serious” that somebody at the top had disclosed the leader of the Commons made a complaint about lewd comments allegedly made by her Cabinet colleague Sir Michael Fallon.

The MP said the leak would deter future victims from going through the proper channels.

Gavin Williamson, the former chief whip, was dramatically promoted to Defence Secretary in the wake of Sir Michael’s resignation.

The fresh bout of infighting came as Mrs May was drawing up proposals for a new complaints procedure as she desperately tried to draw a line under allegations of sexual misconduct and harassment in Westminster.

Mrs May was drawing up proposals for a new complaints procedure to tackle sexual harassment in Parliament
PA

However, No 10’s failure to get a grip on the sense of scandal and crisis was leading some MPs to question whether Mrs May could stay as leader.

The latest twist to Sir Michael’s resignation was the leaking of the role played by Ms Leadsom, 54, who is seen as a potential leadership contender.

She was said to have alleged that between five and seven years ago he made a crude remark when she said she had cold hands. “I know where you can put them to warm them up,” he allegedly said.

Sir Michael strongly denies that the incident took place.

Former business minister Anna Soubry said: “The real question here is who leaked this. If it was a leak from the disciplinary machinery, then this is exceptionally serious.

“How can people come forward except on the strict understanding it will not be leaked? I know somebody myself in that exact position. What confidence can she have in No 10?”

A Tory MP said Ms Leadsom was damaged by the implication that she brought down Sir Michael.

“I don’t think Andrea would have leaked it — it wouldn’t have been in her favour and the stakes are too high.” Mr Williamson, in his role as chief whip, would have advised Mrs May.

A friend of Sir Michael said he felt he had been unfairly treated while others had taken advantage of the maelstrom. “They have all played dirty,” the friend said. “There was no evidence, no dates.”

No 10 sources would not comment on the incident.

Mrs May came under more heat, this time over her failure to withdraw the Tory whip from Stephen Crabb, the ex-minister who sent text messages to a 19-year-old job applicant. Labour’s Jess Phillips said: “Stephen Crabb should definitely not still be walking around Parliament with the Tory whip.”

She accused Mrs May of sheltering behind Cabinet Office investigations into ministers while ignoring backbenchers accused of bad behaviour.

“The Prime Minister, unfortunately she has only been using the ministerial code because she doesn’t think her party should be taking responsibility for these things. It seems like it’s open season for Tory backbenchers to do what they like.”

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