A Freedom of Information request by the Oxford Mail reveals that Tory Witney MP Robert Courts has not attended the Valuing Everyone sessions.

The two-hour course was made mandatory for all MPs in light of a number of abuse allegations and the so-called ‘Pestminster’ scandal that unfolded when the #MeToo movement hit British politics in 2017.

The training, which was first introduced in May last year, is designed to stamp out sexual harassment and bullying in Parliament.

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Mr Courts failed to attend a session in August, but re-booked on Wednesday last week.

Aside from confirming this fact, Mr Courts also would not comment. 

Oxford West and Abingdon's Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran, who attended the course in July last year, said the training was ‘incredibly important’ and urged all her colleagues to do the same.

Commenting on ‘Pestminster’ culture she said: “Parliament’s workplace culture needs serious improvements, and that starts with MPs taking bullying and harassment seriously.

“It is our duty as employers and elected representatives to set the example we want others to follow, so we can continue to improve Parliament as a workplace for everyone to feel safe in.”

Ms Moran was originally booked to attend a session in May last year but cancelled her place.

The importance of the training was highlighted even more in July when former Tory MP for Dover Charlie Elphicke was found guilty of three counts of sexual assault on two women, in 2007 and 2016.

The plot of the ‘Pestminster’ scandal also thickened in August as another Tory MP, who remains unnamed, also accused of raping a woman in her twenties.

She alleges four separate incidents of sexual assault, as recently as this January.

The politician was taken into custody in east London in August and released pending investigations.

The MP, who denies the allegations, is also permitted to attend Parliament after his bail was extended to November.