Reform MP Lee Anderson Ordered to Apologize for Swearing at Parliament Security

Overview

• Lee Anderson, an MP for Reform UK, must apologize in the House of Commons and in writing to a security officer after swearing at them when his pass failed.
• The incident occurred in November 2023 at the Derby Gate entrance to the parliamentary estate, where Anderson's pass was not recognized.
• Anderson admitted to being 'upset, impatient and angry' during the exchange but denied being aggressive or premeditated in his actions.
• The Independent Expert Panel upheld the complaint against Anderson, dismissing his appeal and emphasizing the power imbalance between Anderson and the security officer.
• Previously a Conservative MP, Anderson defected to Reform UK after being removed from the Tory benches for controversial statements about political figures.