Rishi Sunak is facing a fresh by-election headache after the publication of a damning report into groping allegations against former Tory MP Chris Pincher.
The prime minister is already gearing up for three difficult contests this month in seats the Conservatives won in 2019. A fourth is set to be triggered when former culture secretary Nadine Dorries formally resigns, which she promised to do “with immediate effect” almost a month ago.
And a by-election in Mr Pincher’s Tamworth constituency presents a significant challenge for Mr Sunak, with polls suggesting Labour could take the seat.
A report by Parliament’s Committee on Standards found Mr Pincher had groped two individuals at the exclusive Carlton Club in London.
“His physical contact with those individuals was unwanted, upsetting, and deeply inappropriate,” the report said.
It recommended an 8-week suspension for the former Tory MP.
Mr Pincher’s suspension is above the 10-day threshold to trigger a recall petition in Mr Pincher’s Tamworth constituency. If one in 10 voters in the constituency signs the petition, a by-election is held.
In a written submission to the inquiry, Mr Pincher said he was unable to remember the events in question, but was “conscious of the effect” of his behaviour on everyone involved. He added: “I’m very sorry and apologise to them all, as I did the day I resigned from the Government.”
Mr Pincher was the Tory government’s deputy chief whip last summer when he was accused of drunkenly groping the men at the event.
He resigned from the position and later lost the Tory whip, meaning he now sits in the Commons as an independent.
Already battling to remain prime minister while dogged by Partygate allegations, Mr Johnson’s handling of the Pincher affair was the final straw for his cabinet support.