Sir Gavin Williamson has apologised to MPs for bullying a former chief whip after he was not allocated tickets to the late Queen’s funeral.
The former cabinet minister was told to apologise to Wendy Morton by Parliament’s watchdog, which said his behaviour was “offensive and intimidating”.
Williamson was found to have abused his power when he sent a series of expletive-laden text messages accusing Morton of excluding some MPs from the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II last September.
In one message, the former education secretary warned that there was a “price for everything”.
The parliamentary standards commissioner initially cleared Williamson for conduct amounting to bullying, but the Independent Expert Panel (IEP) upheld Morton’s appeal against the decision and ordered a “full and unreserved apology”.
Appearing in the House of Commons, Williamson told MPs: “I wish to make a personal statement regarding an exchange that occurred on September 13 and 14 between myself and the then-chief whip, the Member of Alright Brownhills.
“During this exchange I used intemperate and inappropriate language which I regret and I apologised for shortly after.
“My behaviour led to a complaint, the complaint was initially dismissed by the Commissioner for Parliamentary Standards, however this decision was appealed and subsequently reversed by the Independent Expert Panel (IEP).
He added: “I accept the decision that my conduct constituted a breach of the bullying and harassment policy, and have since reflected on my behaviour. I reiterate my apology made to the complainant following the breach.
“I apologise to them again now and I apologise to the House fully and unreservedly. I will do my utmost to ensure this does not happen again.”
The panel also said that the former cabinet minister should undertake “appropriate behaviour training” to increase his awareness of the impact of bullying on others.
The news that Williamson could undergo a bullying awareness course soon spread on social media. Here’s a pick of the best reactions:
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