25 November 2023 , 20:44
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Tory Peter Bone mentioned his partner more often in Parliament than the cost of living, research shows.
Mr Bone has been in a relationship with local Councillor Helen Harrison since 2019, who was formerly his Senior Parliamentary Assistant. The Wellingborough MP has made ten references to her in the House of Commons chamber since 2014 - but just two references to the cost of living during the same period.
He made no references to inflation, did not mention struggling families and said nothing about North Northamptonshire’s unsuccessful bid to the Government’s levelling up fund last year.
Mr Bone is suspended from the Commons and is facing a recall petition after Parliament's behaviour watchdog upheld complaints of bullying and sexual harassment made against him by a former member of staff.
He was found to have “trapped” a member of staff in his hotel room and exposing himself. An investigation by Parliamentary authorities found it was a “deliberate and conscious abuse of power.”
Tory MP Peter Bone found to have exposed himself to aide trapped in hotel room
He was also found guilty of ‘humiliating’ staff, including throwing things at his employees, and verbally abusing those that worked for him. A recall petition is underway in his Wellingborough constituency, which could lead to him being ousted from the seat.
Mr Bone rose to fame before his split with ex-wife Jeanette Sweeney, with repeated references to her in the Commons chamber. He asked questions of ministers - including then PM David Cameron - on behalf of “Mrs Bone” on 23 occasions from 2010 to their separation in 2016.