A Conservative MP who left his wife for another MP is facing a bullying investigation after a former office manager made a formal complaint about his “angry outbursts.”
The woman, who left her job in March, said she resigned due to the behaviour of Jack Lopresti, MP for Filton and Bradley Stoke, South Gloucestershire.
Mr Lopresti left his wife for fellow MP Andrea Jenkyns, who gave birth to their son in March, and faced calls for deselection by members of his local party the following month.
The Conservative Party announced a new code of conduct hotline on November 3, designed to “set out the minimum standards of behaviour expected from anyone representing the Party as an elected or appointed official or office-holder.”
According to a BBC report, Jack Lopresti has been reported by his former employee as he “failed to treat others with the respect he felt entitled to” and that his behaviour meant staffers “often trod on eggshells in fear of an angry outburst”.
The House of Commons said MPs employed staff members, and its ability to intervene was limited but support was available.
The complainant said Mr Lopresti treated her “appallingly and thoughtlessly” after she returned to work following a death in the family, by asking why she should not be sacked over performance issues.
“I could not believe it, I was devastated, just crushed,” the BBC have reported her saying.
The woman said she had tried to seek help with HR in Parliament the whip’s office, and her local Conservative Party chairman, but no action was taken.
The BBC are reporting other sources who have described Mr Lopresti as “prone to angry meltdowns”, “bullying” and having “temper tantrums”.
One person said it was “humiliating to be treated this way by him”, and a former staff member said they “had had enough” and resigned.
“It’s a culture in his office; no-one can be honest with him because of his temper,” they added.
It is understood that several people have left Mr Lopresti’s office in recent years, amid allegations of angry outbursts and poor people management.
However, two former staff members said they had had a good relationship with Mr Lopresti, and that he was a good employer.
The London Economic asked for a comment but Mr Lopresti refused to add to “anything that is out there already.”
A spokesman for the MP has said: “Mr Lopresti’s staff matters have been dealt with in conjunction with the Houses of Parliament HR authorities, and, as such, Mr Lopresti will not be commenting.”
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