Credit:PA
Chris Pincher has announced he is resigning as an MP after losing his appeal against a suspension for drunkenly groping two men.
The former Tory whip said he has “made arrangements to resign and leave the Commons” as he did not want to put any “further uncertainty” on his constituents in his Staffordshire constituency of Tamworth.
The Commons Standards committee recommended the suspension in July after it found the MP’s conduct last summer was “profoundly damaging” and amounted to an abuse of power.
Pincher, who resigned from Boris Johnson’s government over the allegations did not appeal against the breach, but appealed to the Independent Expert Panel (IEP) that the punishment was disproportionate.
However, on Monday the panel dismissed the appeal and upheld the Standards Committee’s recommended sanction.
The decision to uphold the former whip’s suspension occurred hours before former chief whip Gavin Williamson was forced to apologise to MPs following bullying allegations.
Education secretary Gillian Keegan was also forced to apologise on Monday for an expletive-laden outburst following an interview with ITV News on the current school concrete scandal.
The IEP’s report, said: “We consider that the appellant’s arguments are misconceived or erroneous. The sanction is for from being arbitrary or disproportionate.”
In a statement to the PA news agency, he said: “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 do not want my constituents to be put to further uncertainty, and so in consequence I have made arrangements to resign and leave 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.”
Pincher’s departure now paves the way for a second by-election for the Conservatives following the bitter exit of former culture secretary Nadine Dorries in August.
Labour are viewed as a firm favourite to win a by-election in Tamworth, according to odds published on Tuesday.
Bookmaker, StarSports, puts the chances of the party’s candidate, Sarah Edwards, claiming the Staffordshire seat at 2/9 following the IEP’s decision to uphold Pincher’s suspension.
Meanwhile, polling at the end of August revealed a number of high-profile Tories, including five cabinet ministers, face losing their seats at the next general election.
The BMG survey for the i newspaper found several big beasts, including now defence secretary Grant Shapps, Leader of the House of Commons, and former Tory Party leader Iain Duncan Smith are at risk.
The poll gives Labour a 15-point over the Tories, putting the party on 44%, the Conservatives on 29% and the Lib Dems on 10%.
Unsurprisingly, reactions on social media were unforgiving. Here’s a pick of the best:
Related: By-election on horizon after Chris Pincher suspension upheld
