Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Personal Statement

04 September 2023 · 0 other contributors

Opened by Gavin Williamson Con Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge

Standards & Ethics

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Gavin Williamson raised concerns about personal statement in the House of Commons. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Mr Deputy Speaker wishes to make a personal statement regarding an incident from September 2022 involving the then Chief Whip.
  • During the incident, the Minister used intemperate and inappropriate language, leading to a complaint.
  • The Independent Expert Panel later reversed the initial dismissal of the case by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

Gavin Williamson

Mr Deputy Speaker, I wish to make a personal statement regarding an incident that occurred in September 2022 between myself and the then Chief Whip. During this exchange, I used intemperate and inappropriate language which led to a complaint. The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards initially dismissed the case but it was later reversed by the Independent Expert Panel. I accept that my conduct breached the bullying and harassment policy and have reflected on my actions. I offer an unreserved apology to the complainant and to the House, committing to ensuring such behaviour does not recur.

▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy