Tory MP denies putting hand up women’s skirts

TORY MP Dan Poulter denies claims he was a ‘lift lunger’ who stuck his hand up female MPs’ skirts.

Dr Poulter, a part-time NHS doctor and a former health minister, is under investigation by the party’s new harassment watchdog. The 39-year-old was reported by fel- low Conservative MP Andrew Bridgen in an article in a Sunday newspaper.

Mr Bridgen said three female MPs had told of their experiences with Dr Poulter in 2010. In at least one incident, Dr Poulter – who ‘specialises in obstetrics and gynaecology’, according to his entry in Who’s Who – allegedly put his hand up a skirt in a Commons lift. Mr Bridgen said none of the three wanted to make formal complaints, so he reported Dr Poulter himself.

Last night Dr Poulter’s spokesman said: ‘Dr Poulter denies all allegations of misconduct or inappropriate behaviour and will vigorously defend himself against any such claims. The Sunday Times story is now in the hands of his lawyers.’

A No 10 spokesman said: ‘Following a conversation with him, the chief whip has referred Mr Poulter to the party’s new disciplinary committee.’