LONDON (Reuters) – Former Conservative lawmaker Christopher Pincher should be suspended for eight weeks, the parliament’s standards watchdog said on Thursday, raising the prospect of a new by-election that will add to pressure on British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Pincher, who now sits as an independent lawmaker in parliament, was suspended by Boris Johnson last year after being accused of sexual misconduct. The former prime minister’s handling of the allegations accelerated moves to topple him.
British media reported that Pincher had sexually assaulted two male guests at a London club. In response, Pincher, said he had drunk too much, embarrassed himself and “caused upset”.
The Committee on Standards, a parliamentary watchdog, said Pincher’s behaviour “has had a significant impact on the two individuals concerned” although noted that he had “expressed genuine contrition”.
“The perception that MPs (members of parliament) can engage in such conduct with impunity does significantly impact public perception of the House (of Commons) and its members,” the committee said.
“We therefore recommend that Mr Pincher be suspended from the service of the House for 8 weeks.”
The recommendation has to be agreed by lawmakers and Pincher does have the right to appeal.
Pincher said in the report: “I’m conscious of the effect the evening and the coverage must have had on all the parties involved, as well as on my own family.”
“I’m very sorry and apologise to them all, as I did the day I resigned from the government.”
The accusations against Pincher had piled pressure on Johnson, who had been accused of knowing about other, earlier reports of Pincher’s behaviour.
The then prime minister’s spokesman denied that, saying Johnson was not aware of any specific allegations when he appointed Pincher to his government role as Deputy Chief Whip, enforcing party discipline.
Now, his possible suspension can only hurt Sunak, whose governing Conservatives are way behind the opposition Labour Party in opinion polls. Sunak already faces three by-elections this month, tests lawmakers fear the party will lose.
(Reporting by Elizabeth Piper;Editing by Elaine Hardcastle)
