Nottinghamshire's first Conservative MP has withdrawn his support for Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The PM's leadership began to crumble even further over damning revelations surrounding deputy chief whip Chris Pincher and his conduct.
There have already been a string of resignations, including secretary of state for health and social care, Sajid Javid, and chancellor of the exchequer Rishi Sunak. The PM was thrown into further turmoil as Mr Pincher quit after allegedly assaulting two men at London's Carlton Club.
Mr Johnson claimed he had forgotten about being told of previous allegations of “inappropriate” conduct, after it was revealed he was told about allegations against him as far back as 2019. The Prime Minister acknowledged he should have sacked Mr Pincher when he was told about the claims against him when he was a Foreign Office minister in 2019, but instead the PM went on to appoint him to other government roles.
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As such, the latest in a series of events at Downing Street has now, rather remarkably, prompted Ashfield's Conservative MP Lee Anderson to withdraw support for a man he had stood by for so long, even through the Partygate scandal. Mr Anderson began his post on Facebook with: "With A Heavy Heart.
He said: "I have remained loyal to the Prime Minister since being elected in 2019. However, my position has changed over the past few days since the incident which led to the Deputy Chief Whip losing the party whip.
"It has come to light that the PM was made aware of a complaint in the past in relation to Mr Pinchers inappropriate behaviour but then went on to promote Mr Pincher to Deputy Chief Whip which is a position of immense power within Government and a role that should look after the interests of Government and the welfare of MPs. It is quite obvious this was not a good appointment and to make matters worse number 10 did not act quick enough in removing the whip after Mr Pincher resigned.
"There was then a denial that the PM had been informed of Mr Pincher's previous behaviour but after a former senior civil servant challenged this claim number 10 then stated the PM had forgotten he had been told. I cannot look myself in the mirror and accept this.
"It is my belief that our PM has got all the big decisions right and guided us through the most difficult time in my life time and I have always backed him to the hilt. That said integrity should always come first and sadly this has not been the case over the past few days.
"I do not hold a position I can resign from so the only thing I can do is make my feelings known to my constituents and party members. This statement may upset some people and I am sure some people will be delighted with the demise of our PM but I have a job to do and I must do it with a clear conscience.
"My focus has always been my constituents many of whom are friends, family and neighbours and my loyalty to them is paramount. Finally, I will do all I can to make sure our party wins the next election to form a Government of low taxation and who will be tough on illegal immigration as I feel we could have done better, that said the thought of a Labour Government terrifies me so please keep the faith.
"I hope that explains my position."
The Red Wall MP's explosive post has prompted a huge number of comments. One user said: "Difficult decision for you Lee, I too have supported the PM throughout, but it is now impossible to see how he can win back the electorate. But equally, I don't see a clear replacement, as he was around the demise of Theresa May."
And another added: "I’m very sorry to hear this. I still think he’s the best man for the job. The Conservatives will struggle to win the next election without Boris at the helm."
One Facebook user went as far as to brand Mr Anderson a 'traitor' adding: "Very disappointed in you, shocked that you have become a traitor, l thought you were better than this."
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