Former Hartlepool MP Mike Hill told sexual harassment accuser ‘I love you’, tribunal hears

A former Labour MP confessed to having “feelings” for a woman accusing him of sexual harassment, a tribunal heard
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But Mike Hill who resigned as Hartlepool MP in March accepted they would not have a physical relationship, a tribunal heard.

The Parliamentary worker, known only as Ms A, claims former Hartlepool MP Mike Hill carried out a campaign of sexual harassment and bullying against her over a 16-month period.

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The Central London Employment Tribunal has been told that the ex-MP allegedly made her feel “scared, extremely confused, violated and powerless”.

Former Hartlepool MP Mike Hill is facing sexual harassment and bullying accusations at an employment tribunal.Former Hartlepool MP Mike Hill is facing sexual harassment and bullying accusations at an employment tribunal.
Former Hartlepool MP Mike Hill is facing sexual harassment and bullying accusations at an employment tribunal.

She claims that Mr Hill sent her texts with messages such as “I crave your body” before progressing to groping her.

She also said: “I felt Mr Hill had a ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ personality in that time, he would be friendly with me, but at others, particularly after I rejected his advances, he would turn and act like he hated me.

“It got to the stage where I couldn’t cope with it any more and it was making me ill.”

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She additionally claimed he sent her messages saying “I love you” and that he said he “wanted a sexual relationship”.

Under cross-examination on Wednesday, Ms A rejected suggestions that her claims against Mr Hill were not true.

Tom Perry, counsel for Mr Hill, quizzed her on the allegation that he had rubbed himself against her, putting it to her that it “didn’t happen”.

“Please don’t say it didn’t happen because it did,” she said.

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Mr Perry questioned Ms A about comments that she and Mr Hill made to each other in messages and conversations.

He said that in one message Mr Hill “says he regrets but accepts that there will never be anything physical between you”.

Ms A said she had made it “very clear that I didn’t want a sexual relationship”.

Mr Perry, again challenging Ms A’s evidence, said Mr Hill had once called her and “told you he had feelings for you but he didn’t say he wanted to share a bed with you”.

Ms A said she did not accept this version of the call.

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The tribunal, which is due to last a week-and-a-half, continues.

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