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Recent revelations about sexual harassment, abuse and assault in politics must mark a turning point in how every political party deals with the issue.

For far too long young women and men have been subject to deeply inappropriate and sometimes criminal behaviour from people in positions of power, and have been too afraid to speak out.

While much of the focus has been on Westminster, the reality is that sexual harassment happens throughout the political system, including in the party activist base and local councils.

I am glad that all party leaders have made strong statements condemning harassment and abuse.

Labour has put in place a new procedure for dealing with complaints and Theresa May has announced a new code of conduct for Conservative MPs and elected representatives.

Earlier this week the party leaders met to agree a new grievance procedure for MPs’ staff, including upgrading the existing complaints hotline and a new face-to-face support service.

These measures are welcome but we need to go further. In particular we must deal with the underlying reason why so many people who have suffered harassment or abuse are reluctant to come forward.

One of the biggest fears victims face is that the person they would have to report the incident to may work with the individual they are accusing, or be their friend or political ally.

Labour has rightly announced that it will appoint an independent specialist organisation to offer confidential advice and support to any individual affected by sexual harassment.

Many Labour women have been calling for this for some time.

Ensuring people can make their initial complaint to this organisation will be vital in giving them the confidence to come forward.

At present, those who have suffered harassment and abuse have multiple worries: that they will not be believed; that internal factional politics will come into play; or that their reputation and future career within the party could be damaged.

This independent agency would be able to talk people through their options, either reporting the incident to the police where a potential crime has been committed, or forwarding complaints to the party anonymously, if individuals choose to take that route.

There should also be independent experts to scrutinise the way complaints are dealt with by all political parties, alongside mandatory safeguarding training for party staff, constituency officers and elected representatives — at both a national and local level.

Finally, all parties must be clear that if a complaint is upheld, there will be a robust response, including removing the whip or expulsion from the party where appropriate. Actions must have consequences if we are to secure lasting change.

People who have faced sexual harassment, abuse and assault should not feel forced to go public, and to have their faces and stories splashed all over the media, in order to get the response they need and deserve.

That means changing the culture of our parties, as well the processes we have to deal with complaints.