DORSET MPs have expressed concern that a list linking 36 Tories with alleged sexual harassment offences is a ‘witch hunt’.

The spreadsheet, leaked to a blog site online on Monday apparently by a party aide, has been shared widely on social media, with some specific allegations against high profile figures reported in the national media.

The list circulated in the aftermath of the Harvey Weinstein scandal which has rocked Hollywood and provoked the #metoo campaign on Twitter.

South Dorset MP Richard Drax said serious allegations should be followed up, but he was “concerned” about false claims being publicised. “There’s a clear line in people’s behaviour,” he said “What consenting adults do with each other is no one’s business and if there’s evidence of bullying or harassment of the type where you are harassing a junior member of staff sexually, or asking for things she or he doesn’t want to give, that clearly is across the line.”

He agreed with the Prime Minister’s proposals for an independent process to tackle the issue, but added: “We are a big organisation and like the BBC or any other organisation, everyone knows where the line is. I’m slightly concerned that it’s a bit witch-hunty and that these totally unsubstantiated claims have been made by people and no one even knows who they are.”

Among the names on the list is Bournemouth West MP Conor Burns. Mr Burns declined to comment.

The Echo understands from party sources that several named MPs are taking legal action against the spreadsheet’s creator.

Allegations have also surfaced about members of other parties, including that a Labour official told a party activist to not report an incident of rape.

On Monday, Leader of the House of Commons Andrea Leadsom told MPs a new support service would be established in Westminster allowing people to report bullying and sexual harassment.

She said the focus was on harassment “significantly below criminal actions”, but emphasised that “whenever a serious allegation is made, the individual should go to the police, and be supported in doing so”.

Sir Desmond Swayne, MP for New Forest West, said the list was largely "rumour".

"All allegations of misconduct should be properly investigated," he said.

"Equally, we need to ensure that confidence is such that complaints are made when the problems occur.

"There have so far been two very serious allegations that are properly matters for the police.

"As for the spreadsheet listing 40 or so miscreants, much of it is just rumour and some of it merely comment on consenting adult relationships between MPs. Whilst I might not approve of such goings on, frankly it is none of my business.

"I know other entries to be ill-informed and just plain wrong.

"I fear that there is an element of salacious excitement here - don't we all love a sex scandal, but nothing is ever as bad as first reported."

Another Dorset Conservative MP said anonymously that members fear the climate of accusations and sleaze will tarnish the reputation of Parliament.

“Witch hunt is too strong a word, but some of these charges feel slightly unfair,” he said. “The list was a mixture of gossip and tittle-tattle, and then some serious allegations. We need to divide between the two.

“There is concern from the majority of people about the reputational damage this will cause. This isn’t what Parliament is about.”