‘Whisper list’ contains 40 politicians never to accept a drink from, MP claims

A Labour MP has claimed there is a "whisper list" of roughly 40 politicians to keep at arm's length in Westminster - including two former cabinet ministers.

Charlotte Nichols, the MP for Warrington North, said she was warned of colleagues to never accept a drink from or be alone with. The list, which is not written down, includes people known for "bullying or sexual misconduct".

She said: "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."

In order to stay safe, she admitted she would avoid them "as far as possible", even if it meant dodging trying to work with them.

Nichols said the list "is not 100%", as someone whom most people would deem "good and safe" had left her facing a harrowing ordeal.

"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."

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Nichols, who was elected in 2019, said she would have the "perfect job" if it was not for abuse online and "the culture of toxicity" within Westminster itself.