69-year-old Baron John Sewel had stated just weeks ago that new Lords rules would make peers act with more honor, adding that “actions of a few damage our reputation,” according to the U.K. publication The Mirror.
Lord Sewel is now being criticized for the hypocrisy of his statement, as he is alleged to have snorted three lines of cocaine during a 45-minute session with two prostitutes, according to The Telegraph.
Lord Sewel reportedly resigned as the allegations came forth.
"Today’s revelations about the behavior of Lord Sewel are both shocking and unacceptable,” Baroness D’Souza said.
“The House of Lords will continue to uphold standards in public life and will not tolerate departure from these standards. These serious allegations will be referred to the House of Lords Commissioner for Standards and the Metropolitan Police for investigation as a matter of urgency."
Scotland Yard to launch criminal investigation into alleged Lord Sewel drugs offences https://t.co/OFJoU0jLQG pic.twitter.com/qth791BITV
— The Independent (@Independent) July 27, 2015
The former Aberdeen University lecturer is now reportedly under pressure to quit the Lords altogether.
“He should consider stepping down. The public have got to have trust in the people legislating on their behalf,” stated Alistair Graham, former chair of the Committee on Standards in Public Life.
During the course of his interaction with the prostitutes, the Scottish peer reportedly stated that Asian women were “whores.” He also reportedly stripped naked and even put on an orange bra amidst drinking champagne, vodka and wine.
Lord Sewel could reportedly become the first member of the Lords to be expelled by his peers. He could reportedly face expulsion or a long suspension under the new rules that he helped finalize last month.
“We are aware of the story in relation to Class A drug use at an address in Westminster. Any allegation will be investigated,” Scotland Yard said in a statement.
“We are aware that Baroness D’Souza has indicated she will be making an approach to the Metropolitan Police and we will get on the case in due course.”
