Lee Anderson makes promise after saying swearing incident was 'totally unacceptable'

Lee Anderson has said an incident in which he swore twice at a security guard will "never happen again" as he apologised for leaving the staff member "upset and intimidated." The parliamentary security officer in question has changed jobs as a result of the incident, which took place on November 3, 2023.

A row took place after the Reform UK MP for Ashfield tried to go through a search post outside Parliament. The MP's pass, which would normally allow him instant access to Parliament, was not working on the day in question.

After the security officer said he Mr Anderson would have to ring a security number, the MP reportedly said: "F*** off, everyone opens the door to me, you are the only one." Mr Anderson then allegedly said: "F*** you, I have a train to catch."

Apologising for the incident in the House of Commons on Wednesday (November 6), the MP said: "I accept the findings of the Independent Expert Panel and the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards in full and without reservation... During the incident, I spoke to the complainant in a manner that was totally unacceptable, and which included swearing and other language that goes against the House of Commons bullying and harassment policy."

Mr Anderson initially appealed against the findings of the standards commissioner and said he was facing challenging personal circumstances at the time, but this appeal was dismissed. Initially describing the exchange in question as "two grown men having a difference of opinion", Mr Anderson later accepted that he was "upset, impatient and angry."

The MP added: "I would like to apologise to the complainant and to the house for my behaviour. Our security staff do an incredible job and should always be treated with the utmost respect. An MP's behaviour must always be of a higher standard.

"I give you and the house my firm assurance that I have learnt significant lessons through this process, and a firm undertaking that such behaviour on my part will never happen again."