Charlotte Nichols names those on sexual harassment list

In a now-deleted message sent to a WhatsApp group of MPs, Charlotte Nichols included a list of individuals on a 'whisper list' that she had been warned to avoid when she became an MP.

Ms Nichols first mentioned this group of unnamed people late in 2022, when she was discussing an uncomfortable working environment around Parliament.

Ms Nichols says she sent the message mistakenly, but stands by each individual that she named (Image: Newsquest)

Warrington North's Labour MP said to Radio5Live in November: "When I first came into Parliament, there was a group of people that I knew who kind of sat me down and gave me a list of MPs who I should never accept a drink from, who I should never be alone with, who I should never get in a lift with, and who I should try to avoid as far as possible to keep myself safe."

Since deleting the message sent in a WhatsApp group chat, Ms Nichols has clarified that she sent the message by accident, but that she stands by each individual that was named.

The Labour MP, elected in 2019, was given a list of individuals to keep at an arm's length when she entered Parliament (Image: Newsquest)

Ms Nichols explained that the list of individuals includes politicians from a number of political parties.

Media site Guido Fawkes has allegedly seen the list that was circulated by Ms Nichols, and of the 20 individuals named, the breakdown of the political parties of individuals includes eight members of the Labour Party, and 11 Conservatives.

In an article posted on Tuesday, January 3, Guido Fawkes said: "While no specific allegations against any of the names are made by Nichols, Chris Pincher is among the names, as is Chris Matheson who recently resigned as the MP for Chester for 'unwanted sexual advances' towards a junior member of staff."

Am I not meant to warn others about conduct I've seen, experienced or been told about that many times by different people that it's a clear pattern of behaviour?

I'm many things but a bystander isn't one, and while Westminster is as grim as it is I won't pretend otherwise.

— Charlotte Nichols (@charlotte2153) January 1, 2023

One Conservative MP criticised Ms Nichols for sharing the list in such a way, calling it 'grossly irresponsible' - the Tory MP added: "If you have evidence, you report it to the parliamentary authorities or the police."

Clapping back on social media, Charlotte Nichols said: "Am I not meant to warn others about conduct I've seen, experienced or been told about that many times by different people that it's a clear pattern of behaviour?

"What’s ACTUALLY irresponsible is the lack of real action to sort out Westminster’s sexual harassment problem which is so endemic other MPs and staff have to be warned about some colleagues’ behaviour to keep them safe!"