Birmingham MP Jess Phillips has read out explicit text messages that an MP sent to female constituents, in the Chamber of the House of Commons.

The messages were written by Andrew Griffiths, Conservative MP for Burton in Staffordshire.

Ms Phillips, Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley, made sure MPs knew exactly he said, telling them: “She’s so cute, so sweet, I can’t wait to beat her. Can she take a beating?”

“Not my words Mr Speaker, the words of the MP for Burton, while barraging two of his female constituents with thousands of text messages.”

Mr Griffiths was suspended from the Conservative whip in July after it was revealed that he had sent sexually explicit text messages to two female constituents.

MP Jess Phillips

But the whip was controversially restored to Mr Burton on Wednesday, so that he could take part in the confidence vote of Conservative MPs to decide whether Theresa May should stand down.

At the same time, the whip was restored to Dover and Deal MP Charlie Elphicke, who had been suspended due to sexual offence allegations.

And Ms Phillips said: “What message does this send about how any process here in this place can ever be trusted?”

Burton MP Andrew Griffiths
Burton MP Andrew Griffiths

“What matters more? Political power or protecting victims of sexual harassment and abuse?”

Andrea Leadsom, the Leader of the House, insisted: “I am absolutely committed to changing the culture of this place and to seeing that everybody here is treated with dignity and respect.”