Shrewsbury MP faces Commons suspension for 'undermining' apology over bullying

MPs are due to vote today (19th January) on whether to approve the one day suspension of Shrewsbury and Atcham MP Daniel Kawczynski.

The Tory politician is facing suspension for "undermining" an apology he gave in the Commons for bullying staff. The Commons Standards Committee earlier recommended that the MP should also say sorry again after media interviews where he's accused of 'undermining' the sincerity of his first apology.

On social media, Mr Kawczynski posted a statement apologising for commenting on the Commons disciplinary procedures saying he was in an "emotional and distressed state" at the time.

He wrote: "I accept fully that I was wrong to comment about the disciplinary procedures and I accept unreservedly the findings of the committee.

"My comments to Radio Shropshire came at the end of a very difficult and painful period in my life which I now recognise was significantly affecting my mental health.

"I have apologised to my colleagues and I will never again seek to undermine or challenge in any way the rules and regulations of the House of Commons.

"A profoundly emotional and devastating family trauma in 2019, coupled with a series of work-related problems combined to affect my mental health in an unprecedented way."

The MP said his mental health struggles should "not detract in any way from my full acceptance of the Committee's decision".

In its report, the committee said:

"Although he says he was sincere by the time he made the apology to the House, he had that morning effectively undermined the sincerity of that apology by broadcasting the fact that he was making it because he was required to do so and he disagreed with the way the case had been conducted," the committee said.

"Mr Kawczynski also broke confidentiality requirements by speaking to Radio Shropshire about the content of the report before it was published and identifying complainants' job descriptions on nine occasions in his radio interview."

It comes as on the day of his initial apology he said in an interview;

"I have no alternative but to apologise because if I don't apologise then I risk the option of being sanctioned further."

An investigation by Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards Kathryn Stone found he also breached confidentiality rules by identifying the complainants through their job titles.

In its report, the committee said Mr Kawczynski's conduct was particularly serious as it risked undermining the credibility of the independent complaints and grievances scheme for Commons staff which has only recently been established.

Normally it would merit a more serious sanction but the committee acknowledged the mitigating circumstances cited by the MP, including his commitment to work on his "attitude and behaviour".