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Chris Pincher scandal

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Chris Pincher,at the centre of the scandal over accusations of sexual misconduct
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TheChris Pincher scandalwas apolitical controversyin theUnited Kingdomrelated to allegations ofsexual misconductby the formerConservative PartyDeputyChief Whip,Chris Pincher.In early July 2022, allegations of Pincher's misconduct emerged, including allegations that pre-dated his appointment as Deputy Chief Whip.

The government initially denied that, at the time of Pincher's appointment,Prime MinisterBoris Johnsonhad any knowledge of any specific complaints about Pincher of a similar nature. Johnson later had to admit that that was not the case, raising questions about the earlier denials and why Johnson nevertheless had chosen to appoint him as Deputy Chief Whip.

The scandal sparked a majorcrisis for Johnson's government,with ministers, and a larger number of government staff, resigning on 5–7 July 2022, followed by Johnson's announcement on 7 July that he would resign as party leader.

Following a Parliamentary Standards Commission report released in July 2023 that recommended Pincher be suspended from the service of the House of Commons for 8 weeks, Pincher appealed the verdict and lost his appeal in September 2023, upon whichhe resigned his seat in Parliament.

Background

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Chris Pincherhad served asMember of Parliament(MP) forTamworthsince2010as a member of theConservative Party.In February 2022, Pincher was appointed asDeputy Chief WhipbyBoris Johnson.[1]

Incidents

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2017 incident

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Main article:2017 Westminster sexual misconduct allegations

On 5 November 2017, Pincher resigned asComptroller of the Household(Assistant Whip) and voluntarily referred himself to the Conservative Party's complaints procedure and the police, as part of the2017 Westminster sexual misconduct allegations.He was accused of sexual assault by former Olympicrowerand Conservative candidateAlex Story.[2]

In 2017, Story alleged that he had been the subject of unwanted sexual advances from Pincher in 2001, when Pincher invited Story to his flat, where Pincher massaged his neck and talked about his "future in the Conservative Party", before changing into a bathrobe. Recounting the episode, Story said that Pincher's advances had made him seem like a "pound shopHarvey Weinstein".[a][3]Pincher said that "I do not recognise either the events or the interpretation placed on them" and that "if Mr Story has ever felt offended by anything I said then I can only apologise to him".[3]Pincher was also accused of "touching up" former Labour MPTom Blenkinsop,who told him to "fuck off".[2]On 23 December 2017, the Conservative Party's investigating panel determined that Pincher had not breached the code of conduct.[4]

June 2022 incident

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Pincher resigned as a Government Deputy Chief Whip on 30 June 2022, saying he had "drunk far too much" the night before at theCarlton Club,a private members' club, inSt James's,London, and having "embarrassed myself and other people".[5]It was alleged that he sexually assaulted two men.[6]Labour's deputy leaderAngela Raynersaid that "the latest episode" showed that standards in public life had dropped underBoris Johnson.Rayner maintained Johnson should explain why Pincher was made a parliamentary whip and how he could stay a Conservative MP. There were calls, from unnamed Conservative MPs, for aby-electionto be held in Pincher's seat,[b]as the events were considered "much worse" than when the former Conservative MPNeil Parishwas caught watching pornography in the House of Commons earlier in the year.[7][8]LabourShadow Home SecretaryYvette Coopersaid the full truth was needed about events and allegations, asking for the whip to be withdrawn from Pincher as a start, and saying that standards in public life were involved.[9]Liberal DemocratWendy Chamberlainsaid the allegations were so serious it was hard to see how Pincher could stay an MP. She called for a thorough investigation and for Pincher to lose the Conservative whip.[10]

He was suspended as a Conservative MP,[11]but it was reported that he would retain his seat inparliamentas an 'independent' member of it.[12][13]Rayner said Johnson had been "dragged kicking and screaming into taking any action at all."[14]Shadow Minister of State at the Cabinet OfficeBaroness Chapman of Darlingtonsaid what Johnson knew when he appointed Pincher, who is a party ally, as whip is unclear. "We want to know who knew what and when and why those decisions were made the way they were. I don’t think anybody in Westminster believes that Boris Johnson did not know about the allegations about Mr Pincher."[15]BBC Newsreported that "Two police forces investigated allegations of sexual assault by a man believed to be the MP Christopher Pincher."[16][17][18]

Further allegations in July 2022

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On 3 July 2022, six new allegations against Pincher emerged, involving behaviour over a decade. Three complaints were that Pincher made unwanted advances against other MPs, one in a bar at the House of Commons and one in Pincher's parliamentary office. One complainant reportedly gave Downing Street details in February and expressed concerns over Pincher becoming a whip in charge of other MPs' welfare. Pincher maintained he had no intention of resigning as an MP.[19]

Johnson allegedly referred to Pincher as "handsy" andDominic Cummingssaid Johnson joked about him being "Pincher by name, pincher by nature" in 2020.[20]Labour MPJonathan Reynoldssaid: "I think we've got to acknowledge what the consistent problem is and it is a Conservative party that repeatedly chooses to do what is politically expedient over what is right. It's clear from what we know this morning that Chris Pincher should never have been put back into the whip's office."[20][21]

Ministers initially said that Johnson was unaware of any specific complaints against Pincher when he was appointed as deputy chief whip. Later, Downing Street said Johnson was aware at the time of media reports and allegations that were "either resolved or did not progress to a formal complaint". The BBC subsequently reported that an official complaint and subsequent investigation into Pincher, while he was at the Foreign Office (July 2019 to February 2020), had confirmed his misconduct, and that Johnson had been made aware of the matter at that time.[22]SirSimon McDonald,formerPermanent Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs,later said that the prime minister had been briefed "in person" about Pincher[23]in a letter described in aGuardianeditorial as an "extraordinary, devastating intervention",[24]saying about the denial by10 Downing Street:"This is not true." McDonald said that in the summer of 2019, a group of officials had "complained to me about Mr Pincher's behaviour. In substance, the allegations were similar to those made about his behaviour at the Carlton Club."[25]

The treatment of alleged victims was also subject to controversy when it emerged that one of Pincher's alleged victims was asked about their sexuality by the Assistant Government WhipSarah Dines.Upon being asked if he was gay, the alleged victim replied "What's that got to do with it? But yes, I am." She responded "Well, that doesn't make it straightforward." Dines was criticised for asking such a question, and for her response.[26]

Tamworth Conservative deputy mayor Daniel Cook said Pincher sexually assaulted him in 2005 and 2006, and that he had lodged a complaint with the Conservative Party.[27]

Subsequent government crisis

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Main article:July 2022 United Kingdom government crisis

In an interview with BBC'sChris Masonon 5 July 2022, Johnson said he had appointed Pincher to a government position and had been told about a misconduct complaint against him. Johnson said he had made a "bad mistake" by not acting on the information.Chancellor of the ExchequerRishi SunakandSecretary of State for Health and Social CareSajid Javidresigned minutes later.[28]The vice-chair of the Conservative Party,Bim Afolamiresigned the same day along withSaqib Bhatti,Jonathan GullisandNicola Richardsfrom their positions asparliamentary private secretaries.[29]Alex Chalkalso resigned asSolicitor General for England and Wales.[30]

The following dayWill Quinceresigned asParliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children and Families.[31]Shortly after,John Glenannounced his resignation asEconomic Secretary to the Treasury.[32]Stuart Andrewalso resigned as theMinister of State for Housing.[33]There had been 60 resignations of MPs from government positions, 30 by ministers, and Michael Gove had been dismissed, by the middle of 7 July.[34]More ministers resigned on 6 July 2022 than had ever before resigned on a single day.[35][36]On 7 July, following further resignations, Johnson resigned as leader of the Conservative Party, but remained in office as Prime Minister until 6 September, upon theelectionof his successor,Liz Truss.[37]

Standards Committee investigation

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The Standards Commissioner investigated whether Pincher harmed the House of Commons by "causing significant damage" to its reputation. He then sent his report to theCommons Select Committee on Standards,who could either change or approve that recommendation.

On 6 July 2023, the Committee recommended an 8-week suspension.[38][39]Pincher appealed their decision, but lost the appeal in September 2023.[40]Before this went to a vote of all MPs,[40]Pincher resigned his seat.[41]

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^In 2017, the American film producerHarvey Weinsteinhad beenaccused of rape, sexual assault and sexual abuse,leading to the#MeToomovement against sexual abuse, sexual harassment, andrape culture;"pound shop" is a reference to British high street discount stores such asPoundland.
  2. ^This could only happen if Pincher chose toresign as an MP,was subject to a successfulrecall petition,or was disqualified as an MP, such as by receiving acustodial sentenceof longer than a year.

References

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  1. ^"Parliamentary career for Christopher Pincher".UK Parliament.Retrieved8 July2022.
  2. ^ab"Conservative Whip refers himself to police over behaviour claims".The Independent.5 November 2017.Archivedfrom the original on 1 May 2022.Retrieved13 February2020.
  3. ^ab"Tory Whip Chris Pincher refers himself to the police after claim of unwanted pass at former Olympic rower".The Daily Telegraph.5 November 2017.Archivedfrom the original on 7 November 2017.Retrieved5 November2017.
  4. ^Buchan, Lizzy (23 December 2017)."Tory MPs Stephen Crabb and Chris Pincher cleared by party over sexual harassment claims".The Independent.Archivedfrom the original on 23 December 2017.Retrieved11 January2018.
  5. ^"Chris Pincher suspended as Tory MP after groping allegation".BBC News.1 July 2022.Retrieved1 July2022.
  6. ^"Tory MP Chris Pincher suspended by party over 'drunken groping' claims".Sky News.2 July 2022.Retrieved9 July2022.
  7. ^Elgot, Jessica (30 June 2022)."Tory deputy chief whip resigns after 'embarrassing myself and others'".The Guardian.Retrieved9 July2022.
  8. ^Lee, Joseph; Nevett, Joshua (1 July 2022)."Chris Pincher: Tory whip resigns saying he 'embarrassed himself'".BBC News.Retrieved9 July2022.
  9. ^Clinton, Jane; Mason, Rowena (1 July 2022)."No 10 denies PM knew of Chris Pincher misconduct claims before promotion".The Guardian.Retrieved6 July2022.
  10. ^"Chris Pincher: Call to suspend Tory MP after groping allegations".BBC News.1 July 2022.Retrieved6 July2022.
  11. ^Nevett, Joshua (1 July 2022)."Chris Pincher suspended as Tory MP after groping allegation".BBC News.Retrieved9 July2022.
  12. ^Rentoul, John (1 July 2022)."Boris Johnson bows to the inevitable, too late, and makes it worse".The Independent.Retrieved9 July2022.
  13. ^Sommerlad, Joe (1 July 2022)."What does removing the whip mean? All you need to know about punishment for MPs".The Independent.Retrieved9 July2022.
  14. ^Mason, Rowena; Allegretti, Aubrey (1 July 2022)."Chris Pincher loses Tory whip over misconduct allegations".The Guardian.Retrieved6 July2022.
  15. ^Walker, Peter (4 July 2022)."Nobody believes Johnson did not know about Pincher claims, says Labour peer".The Guardian.Retrieved6 July2022.
  16. ^May, Callum (6 July 2022)."Police probed Chris Pincher assault allegations".BBC News.Retrieved6 July2022.
  17. ^Neilan, Catherine (1 July 2022)."Female Tories call for MPs to be suspended when facing sexual-misconduct investigations after Chris Pincher resignation".Business Insider.Retrieved9 July2022.
  18. ^Maclellan, Kylie; Macaskill, Andrew (1 July 2022)."UK lawmaker suspended from Johnson's party over sexual misconduct allegations".Reuters.Retrieved6 July2022.
  19. ^Snowdon, Kathryn; Seddon, Paul (3 July 2022)."Chris Pincher: New claims emerge against former Tory MP".BBC News.Retrieved3 July2022.
  20. ^abBlewett, Sam; Baynes, Chris (2 July 2022)."Boris Johnson accused of turning blind eye to Chris Pincher allegations".The Independent.Retrieved3 July2022.
  21. ^Mason, Rowena (3 July 2022)."Boris Johnson accused of ignoring warnings about Chris Pincher amid new allegations".The Guardian.Retrieved3 July2022.
  22. ^Wells, Ione (5 July 2022)."Boris Johnson was made aware of formal Chris Pincher complaint".BBC News.Retrieved9 July2022.
  23. ^Davidson, Peter (5 July 2022)."Boris Johnson was told about Pincher inquiry as top official suggests No10 lied".Daily Record.
  24. ^"The Guardian view on the cabinet resignations: endgame for Boris Johnson".The Guardian.6 July 2022.
  25. ^"Chris Pincher: No 10 not telling the truth, says ex-senior civil servant".BBC News.5 July 2022.Retrieved9 July2022.
  26. ^Penna, Dominic; Turner, Camilla (3 July 2022)."Tory whip criticised for asking alleged Chris Pincher victim if he is gay".The Telegraph.ISSN0307-1235.Retrieved6 July2022.
  27. ^"Chris Pincher: Fresh sex assault claims about suspended Tamworth MP".BBC News.7 July 2022.Retrieved9 July2022.
  28. ^"Chris Pincher: PM 'bitterly regrets' appointing MP after complaint".BBC News.5 July 2022.Retrieved7 July2022.
  29. ^Lock, Samantha; Badshah, Nadeem; Sparrow, Andrew (5 July 2022)."Rishi Sunak and Sajid Javid resign as Boris Johnson apologises for Chris Pincher 'mistake' – UK politics live".The Guardian.Retrieved5 July2022.
  30. ^Whiteway-Wilkinson, Zasha (5 July 2022)."Cheltenham MP Alex Chalk resigns as Solicitor General".GloucestershireLive.Retrieved6 July2022.
  31. ^Cowburn, Ashley (6 July 2022)."Minister who previously defended Boris Johnson over Chris Pincher resigns".The Independent.Retrieved6 July2022.
  32. ^Forrest, Adam (6 July 2022)."Treasury minister John Glen quits citing Boris Johnson's 'poor judgement'".The Independent.Retrieved6 July2022.
  33. ^Thorpe, George (6 July 2022)."Pudsey MP Stuart Andrew blasts Boris as he quits minister job".LeedsLive.Retrieved6 July2022.
  34. ^"Government resignations: Who has gone, who is staying?".BBC News.7 July 2022.Retrieved7 July2022.Updated periodically.
  35. ^Devine, Kieran; Dunford, Daniel; Rao, Ganesh (6 July 2022)."Boris Johnson suffers more ministerial resignations in one day than any PM in history".Sky News.Retrieved6 July2022.
  36. ^Turner, Camilla (6 July 2022)."Boris Johnson suffers most ministerial resignations in 24 hours since 1932".The Telegraph.Retrieved6 July2022.
  37. ^"Boris Johnson resigns: Johnson will stay on but only as caretaker PM, new cabinet agrees".BBC News.Retrieved12 August2023.
  38. ^Seddon, Paul (6 July 2023)."Chris Pincher: Groping MP abused power, inquiry finds".BBC News.Retrieved6 July2023.
  39. ^House of Commons Committee on Standards,Christopher Pincher[permanent dead link],Twelfth Report of Session 2022–23. Retrieved 6 July 2023.
  40. ^abCook, Allen (4 September 2023)."Chris Pincher loses Commons suspension appeal".Retrieved17 January2024.
  41. ^Giddings, Andy (7 September 2023)."MP Chris Pincher quits after losing groping appeal".Press Association.Retrieved17 January2024.
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