UK Labour MP reveals 'whisper list' of people to avoid in Westminster

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In an interview for British broadcaster BBC Radio 5 Live, Labour MP for Warrington North, Charlotte Nichols, revealed the existence of an unwritten 'Whisper network list' that includes the names of 40 Westminster politicians to avoid for safety-related reasons. 

According to the MP, the list identifies people known for bullying or carrying out acts of sexual misconduct. 

🗣️"Everyone has a 'whisper network list' of people to stay away from."

🔴Labour's @charlotte2153 tells @TVNaga01 who new MP's are told to avoid in Parliament.

💬"The most dangerous people are the people you least suspect."

🎧Listen on @BBCSounds📻

— BBC Radio 5 Live (@bbc5live) November 10, 2022

"We need to be aware of these MPs from a range of political parties for our friends’ sake who may visit parliament, for our staffers’ sake and of course for our own safety and professional reputation as well," she said.

Guaranteeing one's safety would even imply avoiding joint collaboration with the identified individuals.

The list is not 100%, according to Nichols, who said that one person whom most would deem "good and safe" ended up doing her wrong. 

"Everyone will know of a whisper network list of people to avoid in parliament. When I joined, I was sat down and told of people I should never accept a drink from, never be alone with and avoid as far as possible to stay safe."

If it wasn't for online abuse and the "culture of toxicity" within Parliament, Nichols said she would've had the "perfect job".

"We all know [who they are] and nothing is done and they continue to walk around and do their jobs – and there’s that kind of culture of impunity on it."

Although she did not identify any of the 40 individuals, she did mention that two among them are former cabinet ministers.

The list keeps growing, she said, as cases of sexual abuse and bullying are further increasing. 

Charlotte Nichols began her career as an MP for North Warrington under the leadership of former Labor chief Jeremy Corbyn and has been an MP continuously since December 2019.

She is heavily criticized by the right due to her being a staunch supporter of Palestinian rights.

Absolutely massive demonstration outside Parliament in support of #SaveSheikhJarrah and the wider campaign for Palestinian human rights. pic.twitter.com/Rj0j0ormp9

— Charlotte Nichols (@charlotte2153) May 11, 2021

This guy is accusing Charlotte Nichols "a Jewish woman" of being an anti Semite. pic.twitter.com/VIT2ZNqK1J

— Moon (@QueerNerdyLefty) December 18, 2019

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