Michael Hancock

The complainant alleged, among other things, unwanted sexual contact and advances. Hampshire Police investigated but concluded that there was insufficient evidence to prosecute. An investigation commissioned by Portsmouth City Council and led by Nigel Pascoe QC subsequently found that there was a credible account and prima facie evidence of unwanted sexual approaches. Hancock initially denied the most serious allegations. In June 2014, he settled the civil proceedings and acknowledged in an apology that he had crossed the boundary of an appropriate councillor-constituent relationship, had behaved inappropriately and unprofessionally and had made her feel degraded, without admitting sexual assault. The council subsequently sought recovery of legal costs.

Attribution

Directly implicated

The Home Office maintained that Zatuliveter had developed relationships with British politicians for Russian intelligence purposes. Her employment by Hancock and their personal relationship fuelled intense debate over parliamentary security, and Hancock withdrew from the Defence Select Committee during the proceedings. However, following a detailed hearing, the Special Immigration Appeals Commission concluded that she was not a spy and overturned the deportation decision. This favourable outcome is central: the case does not justify attributing espionage activities to Hancock.

State of the evidence

Alleged

Criticism focused on his votes, statements concerning Russia and Georgia, and access granted to young Russian assistants in parliamentary and Council of Europe settings. Hancock responded that he was neither a spy nor a Russian agent and that he had also criticised the Kremlin on certain issues. None of the sources reviewed establishes that he was an intelligence agent, received secret payments or was convicted of unlawful lobbying.

State of the evidence

Allegations

Attribution

Directly implicated