A member of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government, responsible for parliamentary discipline for Conservative MPs, resigned after allegations of touching two men, a new political ordeal for the leader already weakened by scandals.
In a resignation letter Thursday, Deputy Chief Whip Chris Pincher admitted to “drinking too much” and apologized for “shaming him and others.”
A private London club
According to multiple UK media outlets, the 52-year-old Conservative MP touched two men, including an MP, at a private club in central London, the Carlton Club, on Wednesday night, prompting complaints from the Conservative Party.
Despite stepping down as Deputy Chief Whip, Chris Pincher remains an MP, prompting calls for his expulsion from the party and an internal investigation.
“It is out of the question for the Conservatives to ignore a possible sexual assault,” tweeted Angela Rayner, No. 2 of the Labor Party, the main opposition group.
A first case in 2017
Chris Pincher, appointed in February, had previously resigned as “Junior Whip” in 2017 amid allegations of sexual advances towards an Olympic athlete and potential Conservative election candidate.
An unnamed lawmaker suspected of rape was arrested and later released on bail in mid-May, another resigned in April for viewing pornography on his cell phone in the House of Representatives in April, and a former lawmaker was sacked in May Sentenced to 18 months in prison for sexually assaulting a 15-year-old boy.
Boris Johnson’s government has also been rocked by scandals including Downing Street parties despite anti-Covid restrictions. He already paid dearly for these cases in the elections after the Conservatives were clearly defeated in two by-elections in June.