A POLITICIAN highlighted the unhealthy drinking habits of his Westminster colleagues as he became the latest North-East MP to speak out on a growing scandal.

Dr Paul Williams vowed to be a voice for those with less power as he backed calls for tougher measures to be implemented to tackle allegations of abuse or harassment in Parliament.

The MP for Stockton South said “clear abuses of power” had been revealed over the past few days as he suggested some politicians had let their own staff and the public down by behaving inappropriately.

His comments came in the wake of a sexual harassment scandal that is threatening to engulf Westminster.

Reports emerged recently of female employees at Westminster creating a WhatsApp group to warn each other about the behaviour of MPs and other senior Parliamentary figures.

A dossier which came to light on Monday allegedly named 36 Tory MPs and accused them of inappropriate behaviour, including sexual misconduct.

The scandal escalated further when it was claimed that Labour Party officials attempted to silence activist Bex Bailey after she said she was raped.

Dr Paul Williams said MPs needed to “earn and keep the trust of the public” as he welcomed Jeremy Corbyn’s pledge to strengthen Labour party procedures on sexual harassment and safeguarding.

He said: “In any place of work, all staff should feel respected, safe and comfortable.

“Members of Parliament should set the highest standards of conduct, but some have let members of their staff down as well as the public.

“There are clearly some cultural problems in Westminster. I have witnessed unhealthy drinking habits.

“Clear abuses of power have been revealed over the last few days.”

He added: “I believe we all have a responsibility to ensure our staff and visitors remain safe and that the work environment is one where people feel comfortable.

“Abuse of power is always wrong - in any circumstances.

“I will always try to be a voice for those with less power and will practice this in my personal and professional life.

“Yesterday MPs from across Parliament united to condemn exploitation of power.

“Many have rightly called for tougher measures to put the well-being of victims at the forefront of new procedures for dealing with allegations of sexual harassment and abuse.

“I welcome the news that Jeremy Corbyn has strengthened Labour party procedures on sexual harassment and has ensured Labour has robust processes in place to safeguard all staff working for MPs.”