Chris Pincher was suspended from the Conservative Party as a Conservative MP following two allegations of him groping men. He has since stated that he is looking for “professional medical assistance”.
The Tamworth MP stated that he was truly sorry for the distress caused by his behavior and would cooperate fully with an investigation.
He said that he also respected Boris Johnson’s decision not to suspend him.
On Thursday, Mr Pincher resigned as Tory deputy chief whip. He claimed that he had “drank far too much” in the evening before.
After being reported to Parliament’s behavior watchdog, he was immediately suspended as a Conservative MP.
Witnesses claimed that he was seen at the Carlton Club in London, a Conservative Party member’s club.
Mr Pincher stated: “The stress of the past few days, on top of the ones over the past several months have forced me to accept that professional medical support will be of benefit to me.”
“I am currently seeking that right now and I hope to be in a position to return to my constituency duties soon.”
No 10, who resigned as deputy chief whip Thursday, initially suggested that the prime Minister considered the matter closed.
Although Mr Johnson refused calls from Tory MPs and other opposition parties for Mr Pincher to be suspended, he did so after being reported to the behaviour watchdog of Parliament.
As an independent, he will now be able to sit in Parliament.
In 2017, Mr Pincher resigned from the whips’ offices after he was accused, among other things, of making a rash pass at Alex Story, an ex-Olympic rower and Conservative activist.
After an investigation by the party he was cleared of any violation of its code.
Whips are MPs responsible for party discipline and have the responsibility of ensuring that all MPs vote in line with party lines in Parliament.
