Mr Kwarteng also admitted that the scheme to deal with sexual misconduct allegations in parliament, which was set up in 2018, 'isn't working sufficiently well' but 'needs time to really get going'.
The 65-year-old farmer had initially vowed to continue as MP for Tiverton and Honiton but said he would quit after recognising the"furore" and"damage" he was causing his family and constituency., days after two female Tory MPs said they witnessed him watching pornography on his mobile phone on two separate occasions.
He said:"I think the problem we have is that people are working in a really intense environment, there are long hours, and I think generally most people know their limits, they know how to act respectfully."With Neil , I think he did the right thing. He did something which in most other professions you would be sacked for doing and he voluntarily resigned and I think his position was very difficult.
He also called for"political leadership", alleging that when a Conservative colleague gets into trouble, ministers'"first instinct is to push it off into the long grass, hide what's happening, and that's a political problem because the fish rots from the head".