Former Tory whip Chris Pincher resigns as an MP

Former Tory whip Chris Pincher has mentioned he’s resigning as an MP after shedding his enchantment towards a suspension for drunkenly groping two males.

His announcement paves the best way for another by-election for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and the Conservatives.

Mr Pincher, who has repeatedly denied the accusations made towards him, mentioned he didn’t need to put any “further uncertainty” on his constituents in Tamworth, West Mids, and has “made arrangements to resign and leave the Commons”.

He mentioned in a press release on Thursday (September 7): “I have said already that I will not stand at the next general election. However, following the Independent Expert Panel’s decision I wanted to talk to my office team and family.

“I don’t need my constituents to be put to additional uncertainty, and so in consequence I’ve made preparations to resign and go away the Commons.

“Tamworth is a wonderful place and it has been an honour to represent its people. I shall make no further comment at this time.”

Mr Pincher misplaced his enchantment towards an eight-week suspension from the House of Commons after allegations he drunkenly groped two males at London’s unique Carlton Club final 12 months.

The suspension exceeds the 10-day threshold which might set off a recall petition in his Tamworth seat if MPs had been to have accredited it.

The Commons Standards Committee in July beneficial a prolonged suspension for Mr Pincher after it discovered the MP’s conduct final summer season was “profoundly damaging” and amounted to an abuse of energy.

His actions had been described as “unwanted, inappropriate and upsetting”, in what amounted to an “egregious case of sexual misconduct”.

Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson‘s dealing with of the row over his ex-chief whip was the ultimate nail within the coffin of his premiership, triggering his resignation after an exodus of ministers from his administration.

Mr Pincher had appealed towards the committee’s findings, arguing they had been disproportionate, however Parliament’s Independent Expert Panel (IEP) dismissed his appeal on Monday (September 4).

Former Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries’ exit from the Commons final week has already lined up a by-election in Mid Bedfordshire on October 19.

The Tories have held the seat since 1931 and Ms Dorries retained it in 2019 by 24,664 votes over second-placed Labour.

But the Conservatives are cautious of any electoral check after a sustained interval by which nationwide polling has proven the social gathering lagging behind Labour.

Mr Pincher has been comfortably voted for by Tamworth residents since 2010 and gained a 19,634 vote majority on the final General Election.

Downing Street mentioned on Monday it was a matter for Mr Pincher as as to whether he selected to resign.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman mentioned: “I think that’s a matter for him in the first instance. Sanctions are a matter for the House following recommendations of the committee.”

He added: “The Prime Minister is clear about the importance of integrity, professionalism and accountability.

“Those are the core values of the Government and helps the work of the committee in making certain that these requirements are met.”