Chris Pincher will reportedly not be investigated by parliament’s watchdog over allegations of drunken groping at a private members club.
The controversy surrounding the former deputy chief whip led to Boris Johnson’s demise.
Mr Pincher dramatically quit on 30 June after allegedly assaulting two fellow guests at the exclusive Carlton Club in London the evening before.
He was the Tory MP for Tamworth in Staffordshire but now sits as an independent in the Commons after Mr Johnson bowed to pressure to remove the Conservative whip after a formal complaint was made to the parliamentary watchdog.
Labour frontbencher slams ‘trickle down bull****’ from Tories – follow latest updates
However, the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS) has dropped the complaint because the alleged incident did not occur on the parliamentary estate, The Sunday Times and The Observer reported.
The watchdog’s policies appear to confirm the claims about Mr Pincher would not fall within its scope.
According to its website, the ICGS “applies to acts of bullying or harassment or sexual misconduct by and against any member of the parliamentary community on the parliamentary estate or elsewhere in connection with their parliamentary activities”.
A House of Commons spokesperson said they “cannot confirm or deny any current investigations” as the ICGS “operates on the basis of confidentiality for the benefit of all parties”.
“Therefore, we cannot provide any information on complaints or investigation, including whether or not a complaint has been received or whether an investigation is ongoing.”
The Guardian reported that at least one of the victims is understood to have appealed against the decision not to investigate Mr Pincher.
Downing Street initially said Mr Johnson had no knowledge of previous allegations against Mr Pincher, but Lord McDonald, former permanent secretary in the Foreign Office, went public to say the prime minister was briefed “in person” about a 2019 complaint against Mr Pincher in the Foreign Office.
Mr Johnson later acknowledged he had been informed of inappropriate behaviour dating back three years.
Mr Johnson’s handling of the scandal unleashed a wave of criticism with his leadership, which had already been damaged by lockdown-busting parties in Downing Street and by-election defeats.
It led to Mr Johnson losing support across the Tory ranks and ultimately announcing his resignation.
