Suspended…
Tamworth MP Chris Pincher has been suspended from the Conservative party, following a formal complaint to the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS).
A spokesperson for the Tory chief whip, Chris Heaton Harris, said: “Having heard that a formal complaint has been made to the ICGS, the prime minister has agreed with the chief whip that the whip should be suspended from Chris Pincher while the investigation is ongoing.
“We will not pre-judge that investigation. We urge colleagues and media to respect process.”
Mr Pincher resigned from his role as the deputy chief whip of the Conservative party yesterday, admitting drunken behaviour and facing accusations of groping made by a national newspaper.
Resignation…
In his resignation letter to Boris Johnson, Mr Pincher said: “I drank far too much, I’ve embarrassed myself and other people which is the last thing I want to do and for that I apologise to you and to those concerned.
“I think the right thing to do in the circumstances is for me to resign as deputy chief whip.
“I owe it to you and the people I’ve caused upset to, to do this.”
He said he remained loyal to Boris Johnson, and added: “It has been the honour of my life to have served in Her Majesty’s government.”
Mr Pincher has been Tamworth’s MP since 2010 and previously served as a minister under Theresa May when she was prime minister.
