Independent panel reject appeal in Ross Thomson case
The former Aberdeen MP was found not to have been guilty of sexual misconduct - an appeal was lodged to that decision, which has now been rejected by the independent expert panel.
Last updated 23rd Feb 2021
The Independent Expert Panel (IEP) at Westminster have thrown out an appeal in the Ross Thomson case.
The former Aberdeen MP was cleared of sexual misconduct by the commissioner last year in regards to an incident in a Parliament bar in October 2018.
The Panel is entirely independent, with no MPs taking part in its decisions.
Sir Stephen Irwin, Chair of the IEP said: “The Panel made the decision in this first case guided by the principles of natural justice, fairness for all parties, transparency and proportionality, and will treat all further cases with the same regard and diligence.
“We understand the seriousness of, and the harm caused by, bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct. We are rigorously independent, impartial and objective, acting without any political input or influence.”
Reacting to the news, Mr Thomson said:
"I welcome the decision of the independent expert panel"
"I hope today's decision finally marks the end of the smear campaign against me" he said.
The full report is available here: https://www.parliament.uk/globalassets/mps-lords--offices/standards-and-financial-interests/independent-expert-panel/hc-1235---the-conduct-of-mr-ross-thomson.pdf