Culture Secretary says she ‘doesn’t believe’ PM’s father inappropriately touched MP

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries has defended the PM’s father, Stanley Johnson, calling him “a gentleman” after a fellow Conservative Party MP accused Mr Johnson of inappropriately touching her.

Ms Dorries said she “didn’t believe” what Caroline Nokes MP had accused Stanley Johnson of. 

Conservative MP Caroline Nokes had previously said that Stanley Johnson had smacked her “about as hard as he could” on her backside at the Conservative Party Conference in Blackpool in 2003.

In response to Dorries’ recent statement, Ms Nokes said she was “sorry” the member of the government had “denounced” her – adding that she hoped the remarks would not deter other women from coming forward. 

Stanley Johnson, who was approach for comment by Sky News said, “I have no recollection of Caroline Nokes at all – but there you go. And no reply… Hey ho, good luck and thanks”.