Former Hartlepool MP Mike Hill admits wanting sexual relationship with Parliamentary worker

Mike Hill texted the woman, known only as Ms A, saying he “craved” her body and was “in love” with her.

Ms A has accused the former Hartlepool MP of conducting a campaign of sexual harassment and bullying against her over a 16-month period.

She claims he groped her and rubbed himself again her.

Mr Hill, who stood down as the town’s MP in March, has denied the allegations against him and earlier this week told the hearing “I wanted to clear my name in court”.

During cross-examination at the Central London Employment Tribunal on Friday, Mr Hill was questioned about the text messages he sent Ms A.

In one, which was read out to the tribunal, Mr Hill told her: “You know that I crave your company and intelligence and conversation all the time. But that I also crave your body too.”

Asked repeatedly by the claimant’s barrister, Samuel Nicholls, if that meant he wanted to “have sex” with Mrs A, Mr Hill responded: “Part of having a relationship would be that.”

In another message, Mr Hill said: “Of course I will escape when I can, I want you to be part of my future. You know how much I love you.”

Asked whether he loved the claimant, Mr Hill told the tribunal: “At some stage, I believe I was in love with her.”

He further texted: “I’m truly sorry, I hope we have a future in the long term.

“Hoping I could look after you and care for you like I have done. Didn’t know your feelings were a million miles from that. Sorry. I couldn’t cope with a loveless future as I have that now.

“If I could propose to you today, I would. But if you’re not interested, then what’s the point. I’d end up in torture.”

Mr Hill, who confirmed he was married at the time of the “embarrassing” messages, said he “accepted” that the claimant did not want a romantic sexual relationship with him.

He said he was “wearing my heart on my sleeve”, which was “not unusual” for him.

Earlier in the hearing, he said he had received training on the issue of sexual harassment while in a previous role as a regional organiser for the trade union Unison.

Mr Hill was suspended from the Labour Party in September 2019 over the allegations before he was reinstated in October of that year to fight the December 2019 General Election.

He resigned from his seat in March, triggering the by-election won by Conservative candidate Jill Mortimer last week.

The tribunal, which is due to last until next week, continues.

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