A UK Conservative MP who was suspended after being accused of groping two men had revealed that he has sought “professional medical support” to address his behavior.
In a statement, the Tamworth MP Chris Pincher said he would cooperate with an investigation against him, adding that he was “truly sorry” for the upset he caused and “respected” Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s decision to suspend him.
Witnesses told the media that Pincher had been seen “extremely drunk” at the Carlton Club Conservative Party members’ club in London.
“As I told the prime minister, I drank far too much on Wednesday night, embarrassing myself and others, and I am truly sorry for the upset I caused. The stresses of the last few days, coming on top of those over the last several months, have made me accept that I will benefit from professional medical support,” he said.
“I am in the process of seeking that now, and I hope to be able to return to my constituency duties as soon as possible,” Mr. Pincher added.
The MP resigned as Tory Conservative deputy chief on Thursday, citing the incident at the club.
The prime minister’s office initially suggested that Mr. Johnson, who first resisted calls by senior opposition MPs to suspend Mr. Pincher, considered the matter closed after his resignation as deputy whip chief.
However, the prime minister decided to suspend Mr. Pincher a day after the incident was reported to the parliament’s behavior watchdog. Now Mr. Pincher must sit in Congress as an independent.
Generally, independent investigators examine complaints against parliamentarians and give advice for further action. Then, if it is recommended to suspend or expel the individual, the MPs must vote to make the final decision.
The alleged groping is not the first incident that Mr. Pincher has faced. In 2017, he retired from the whip’s office after being accused of making an unwelcome pass at conservative activist and former Olympic rower Alex Story.
However, an investigation by the party found no evidence and cleared the MP of any breach of his code of conduct.
