Caroline Nokes calling for Chris Pincher to be suspended as Tory MP
(Picture: PA Wire)Two senior female Conservatives called on Friday for ex-deputy chief whip Chris Pincher to be suspended as a Tory MP while an investigation is carried out into groping claims.
Caroline Nokes, who chairs the Commons Women and Equalities Committee, and Karen Bradley, who heads the Commons Procedure Committee, wrote to Chief Whip Chris Heaton-Harris demanding a “zero tolerance” approach to sexual misconduct.
They stressed that they were “deeply concerned” that standards of behaviour are upheld at Westminster and accused the Tory Party of an “inconsistent and unclear” approach to dealing with sexual misconduct.
They warned Mr Heaton-Harris to avoid any “suspicion of bias” in the way his ex-deputy Mr Pincher, an ally of Boris Johnson, is treated.
In their letter, they said: “The Party and, by extension, the Government are at risk of serious reputational damage by the current approach.
“We urge you to act swiftly to introduce a code of conduct for all Conservative MPs which is clear in terms of the expectations of behaviour which can be applied in a fair, independent manner so as to avoid any suspicion of bias.”
They added: “In the meantime we ask that you employ a policy of zero tolerance on these issues and to ensure a thorough investigation is carried out in each and every case.
“Once an investigation has been completed, a decision should be taken about returning the whip, but in the meantime, anyone subject to such an investigation should not be allowed to sit as a Conservative MP and represent the party in any capacity.”
Mr Heaton-Harris and other senior party figures were on Friday deciding whether to take any disciplinary action against Mr Pincher who admitted in his resignation later that he had “embarrassed myself and other people” after having had “far too much” to drink.
He is accused of assaulting two guests at a private member’s club in London, according to The Sun.
Downing Street has suggested that Boris Johnson considers the matter of the former deputy chief whip closed following his resignation over a drunken incident.
Asked whether Mr Johnson believes the issue is done and dusted, a No 10 spokesperson said: "He's (Chris Pincher) resigned that position so I'm not aware of any sort of Government investigation."
The official repeatedly stressed that Mr Pincher is "no longer a minister".
He said: "(The Prime Minister) has accepted his resignation, but again I think I've been clear that he would encourage anybody who feels as though they need to make a complaint to do so.
"I've said that he believes that the behaviour was unacceptable, which is why he's accepted the resignation."
Pressed on whether Mr Pincher is under any form of probe, the official said: "He's withdrawn his position as a minister, so I would have to point you to my political colleagues in terms of any sort of party investigations."
