PM’s dad groped me too, says writer after revelation by MP
STANLEY Johnson has denied assaulting two women at Conservative party conferences.
The Prime Minister’s father was accused by Tory MP Caroline Nokes of slapping her backside in 2003 while political journalist Ailbhe Rea said he groped her two years ago.
Last night Mr Johnson, 81, told The Sun: “I have no recollection of Caroline Nokes and no idea what she was talking about.”
Smacked
And he added: “Had I been asked about the allegation made by the journalist of the New Statesman, I would have said the same thing.”
But his son Boris faced a flood of demands to investigate the Oxfordeducated former Conservative MEP for Wight and Hampshire East.
Ms Rea complained in a tweet prompted by Mrs Nokes, who represents Romsey and Southampton North and chairs the Commons women and equality committee.
The New Statesman political commentator said: “Stanley Johnson also groped me at a party at Conservative conference in 2019. I am grateful to Caroline Nokes for calling out something none of us should have to put up with, not least from the Prime Minister’s father.
Mrs Nokes claimed he approached her at the 2003 conference and smacked her “on the backside about as hard as he could” while saying: “Oh, Romsey, you’ve got a lovely seat.” The 49-year-old told a Sky
News discussion panel: “I didn’t do anything and I feel ashamed by that – now I probably would.” Mr Johnson told the broadcaster afterwards: “I have no recollection of Caroline Nokes at all.” Mrs Nokes, a mother of one, tweeted: “Just wanted to thank the sisterhood for the solidarity and support today. You know who you are and you’re amazing.” Labour are demanding a probe into Mr Johnson. Leader Sir Keir Starmer said: “The allegations are serious. It takes guts and bravery to come forward to make allegations like this. They now need to be fully investigated – either by the Conservative Party or by the criminal authorities. But those allegations having been made, there needs to be an investigation.”
Home Office minister Damian Hinds did not rule out a probe, saying: “If that is the appropriate course, then of course that will happen.”
Former Tory leader Lord Hague said he was not aware of “anything like this” but claimed there had been a “cultural shift”. He said: “It’s important for people in positions of authority who become aware of things to act. It is awful to hear.”
Allegations
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman declined to say whether there would be an inquiry, saying: “I haven’t spoken to the PM about this, it wouldn’t be one for me.
“I’m not going to be drawn into specific allegations against a private individual. Of course we would want anyone in any circumstance who feels they have been a victim of any kind of harassment to come forward and report them to the appropriate authorities.”