The Conservative party has been accused of covering up the findings of a disciplinary investigation involving one of its MPs that has spanned almost three years.

An email from the prime minister’s chief of staff Gavin Barwell, sent earlier this month and shared with BuzzFeed News, said the Conservative party board had decided not to publish the outcome of an investigation into claims against multiple Tory party members in Wales, including Aberconwy MP Guto Bebb.

BuzzFeed News can reveal that one complaint received by Conservative Campaign Headquarters (CCHQ) last year alleged that Bebb, who resigned as a defence minister over Brexit in July, was involved in a physical altercation with another Tory member. Bebb has strongly denied any wrongdoing.



Four complainants, including former cabinet minister David Jones, have become so frustrated with the party’s handling of the investigation that they have now decided to go public to ensure that the findings cannot be swept under the carpet.

At least four other Tory members had previously submitted separate complaints to CCHQ in 2015 about the conduct of Bebb and his office. CCHQ has also received numerous complaints about other party members in Aberconwy.

The complainants told BuzzFeed News that they are still waiting to be notified of the outcome of the inquiry almost three years later. They accused CCHQ of having “buried” the complaints.

Jones, who served as Welsh secretary for two years in David Cameron’s coalition government, told BuzzFeed News: “Almost three years after I submitted my complaint, I have still not been told its outcome. It has been made clear that the board has decided not to publish the results of the inquiry. This looks very much like a denial of natural justice.”

The complainants also said Tory party chair Brandon Lewis had failed to respond to emails requesting an update on the probe.



Theresa May is also aware of the allegations, according to the leaked email from her chief of staff. Bebb has a majority of 635 in his Aberconwy seat.