A TORY MP accused of bullying her staff hit back yesterday at the “unfounded” claims in an online statement — before promptly deleting it.

 

Lucy Allan has faced calls to quit Parliament since recordings emerged last week of abusive rants she aimed at her researcher Arianne Plumbly.

 

In one voicemail, she called the 26-year-old “pathetic” for taking sick leave and accused her of having an “alcohol problem.”

 

Ms Allen attempted to excuse her conduct in a statement on her website yesterday, claiming that Ms Plumbley had failed to inform her that she was ill and suggesting the researcher’s absence was linked to a row over office seating arrangements.

 

The MP wrote: “While it was certainly human to be frustrated and exasperated by Arianne’s conduct. It was wrong to express frustration as I did, and have apologised.”

 

But she added: “Her allegations of bullying are unfounded. She was dismissed early from her six-month contract [over] her conduct, performance and absenteeism.”

 

In the latest twist in the Tory bullying scandal, the former employment lawyer then removed the statement from her website.

 

Parliamentary authorities say they have no power to investigate Ms Allan’s conduct because MPs’ staff are considered self-employed.

 

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn told the Star: “MPs should be model employers and recognise that it is a very pressurised job, it is a very pressurised place to work, but you don’t solve your political problems by shouting at your staff.

 

“I’ve seen too much of that in Parliament.”