GMB Parliamentary Staff Branch urges Reform UK to 'commit to proper and decent standards' on staff complaints

The GMB MPs' and Lords' Staff Branch, the UK’s largest union for parliamentary staff, has expressed concern about the nature in which Reform UK and Rupert Lowe MP are dealing with alleged staff complaints.

Any staff member who raises a complaint against an MP, Lord, or colleague should expect that all parties deal with it sensitively, follow proper process, and respects their right to anonymity and privacy.

However, a statement made by Reform UK on Friday 7th March, and subsequent comments made by Rupert Lowe MP on X about the alleged complainants, have flouted these standards.

Their behaviour has prompted the Branch to raise concerns that a precedent is being set by Reform UK, that members of staff working for them can expect to have any complaints discussed and challenged in the public eye.

Lisa Gillmore, GMB MPs' and Lords' Staff Branch President, said:

“Regardless of any permissions given by the complainants, MPs and Lords have a duty to uphold professional standards and set an example across Parliament for how staff complaints are dealt with.

“Members’ staff should feel empowered to raise complaints should they need to, without fear or worry that any identifiable data or details will be shared with anyone - let alone on social media.

“The legitimacy of their case should not be tried in the court of public opinion.

“As a branch which contains members working for MPs and Lords of all political stripes, we urge Reform UK and its MPs to reflect on how the mismanagement of these cases could impact staff across the House and commit to proper and decent standards going forward.”