Beleaguered Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faces a fifth by-election nightmare after a report into disgraced MP Chris Pincher.
The Conservatives are woefully behind in the polls and would not relish fighting a seat they won in 2019.
The Standards Committee found the former Government whip’s conduct was “was completely inappropriate”.
Mr Pincher – who has since sat as an independent – was accused of touching men’s bottoms.
The Committee has recommended he be suspended for eight weeks – way beyond the ten days that allows his constituents the right to recall him as an MP.
If they do so it will trigger a by-election in the Tamworth seat.
The Standards Committee report said:
“The breach we are considering is solely whether Mr Pincher has caused significant damage to the reputation and integrity of the House as a whole, or of its members generally.
“The perception that MPs can engage in such conduct with impunity does significantly impact public perception of the House and its members.
“We therefore recommend that Mr Pincher be suspended from the service of the House for eight weeks.”
The report added:
“Following his investigation, the commissioner found that, during a visit to the Carlton Club on 29 and 30 June 2022, Mr Pincher groped two individuals; that his physical contact with those individuals was unwanted, upsetting, and deeply inappropriate; that Mr Pincher was intoxicated at the time of these events; and that his behaviour was witnessed by at least one other user of the club and likely witnessed by others.”
If 10 per cent of Tamworth voters sign it, then Rishi Sunak’s Conservatives, reeling in the national polls, will have to defend another constituency won by the Tories in 2019.
The Government faces by-elections after the resignation of former PM Boris Johnson and his ally Nigel Adams.
The third was prompted by the resignation of David Warburton over allegations of sexual harassment and cocaine use.
Another is expected when Nadine Dorries decides to formally resign – as promised.
