The standards committee has published its report into the conduct of former Conservative whip Chris Pincher.
Mr Pincher is now facing a suspension from the House of Commons for eight weeks after the committee concluded the MP had committed an “abuse of power”.
Mr Pincher is accused of assaulting two fellow guests at the exclusive Carlton Club in London.
The report reads: “Mr Pincher’s conduct was completely inappropriate, profoundly damaging to the individuals concerned, and represented an abuse of power. We therefore agree with the Commissioner that Mr Pincher’s conduct on 29 and 30 June 2022 breached paragraph 17 of the 2019 Code”.
It adds: “The breach we are considering is solely whether Mr Pincher has caused significant damage to the reputation and integrity of the House as a whole, or of its Members generally.
“The perception that MPs can engage in such conduct with impunity does significantly impact public perception of the House and its Members. We therefore recommend that Mr Pincher be suspended from the service of the House for 8 weeks”.
The 53-year-old’s actions last year triggered the downfall of former prime minister Boris Johnson. It emerged in the aftermath of the scandal that Mr Johnson was aware of an investigation into Mr Pincher’s conduct three years before.
But Mr Johnson still appointed him to a role involving MPs’ welfare.
A recall petition could be now triggered in Mr Pincher’s seat give the suspension of eight weeks is more than the 10 days threshold. The commons must first vote to approve the report then, if 10 per cent of Mr Pincher’s Tamworth voters sign the petition, a by-election would be triggered.
Mr Pincher hasthe right to appeal against the verdict to an independent panel providing he can offer new evidence or point to a procedural inaccuracy.
The MP had majority of more than 19,000 in 2019.
