MP suspended for sexual harassment has been told to stay away from Parliament.

An MP suspended for sexual harassment has been told to stay away from Parliament by the Conservative Party.

Delyn MP Rob Roberts received a six-week suspension after an independent panel found he sexually harassed a member of his staff.

The lift on his ban allows him to return to parliament today (Thursday), however UNN understands he has been told by Tory party figures not to re-enter the Commons.

The former employee who was harassed said the fact he could return after his suspension showed the process needed to be reformed.

He was suspended for sexual misconduct in May, but did not face a recall petition on whether to hold a by-election because the punishment was handed out by the independent panel, rather than a parliamentary committee.

He had the Conservative whip suspended, so can return as an independent MP. He remains a member of the Conservative Party, but UNN understands this remains under review.

Mr Roberts’ former senior parliamentary assistant told BBC Wales he had “some disappointment” a recall petition would not take place.

He added: “At the moment, an MP found guilty of sending personal correspondence using house-headed paper is being treated more severely than MPs that are being found guilty of varying offences involving harassment, bullying and sexual harassment.”

Leader of the House of Commons Jacob Rees-Mogg is looking at a way to change the rules so future suspensions for sexual harassment and bullying judged by the panel can trigger a recall petition.

A House of Commons spokesman said: “We remain committed to streamlining the ICGS process in the coming months and significant work has already been undertaken to reduce delays, including procuring new investigation providers and expanding capacity to deal with casework.”

A spokesman on behalf of the Conservative Whips Office said the whip remained suspended from Mr Roberts.