Commons intern says he was sexually assaulted by MP

The former intern said he tried to complain and was told he could do so anonymously

Westminster has been rocked by allegations of sexual misconduct

(PA)

A former parliamentary intern has said he was sexually assaulted outside a Westminster bar, but was told he could not complain and keep his anonymity.

James Greenhalgh, who didn't know the MP, has told the BBC he "felt violated".

When he tried to report the assault some time later, the MP’s party said it could not proceed with the complaint unless Mr Greenhalgh waived his anonymity.

Mr Greenhalgh said he was approached outside a bar in the House of Commons by the man, who is no longer an MP, and who put his arm around him.

"Suddenly his arm slipped down towards my buttocks and went a bit further between my legs. I just didn't know what to do, I didn't know what to do at all."

The incident follows a large number of other allegations of a sexual nature against MPs at Westminster.

Theresa May said at Prime Minister’s Questions she was “extremely concerned” by the allegations. The Leader of the House of Commons, Andrea Leadsom has proposed establishing an independent grievance procedure for anyone with complaints about abusive behaviour in parliament.