Former MP Aaron Bell Reprimanded for Misconduct

Former MP Aaron Bell has been formally reprimanded for 'brazen and drunken' sexual misconduct after a parliamentary investigation found he inappropriately touched a young female staffer at a Parliament bar in December 2023. Bell, a former Conservative MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme and assistant government whip, was found to have abused his position of power, with the victim fearing career repercussions if she reported the incident. The Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme determined that Bell's actions would have warranted a significant suspension from Parliament had he not resigned just before the election. Despite stepping down, the report stands as a public reprimand, emphasizing Bell's significant age and power advantage over the victim. Bell, who claimed to have been too drunk to recall the night fully, acknowledged some contact but denied it was as extensive as reported. The incident underscores ongoing concerns about power dynamics and misconduct within the UK Parliament.