Tory MP quizzed over sex claims by two of his staff
A TORY MP has been questioned by police over allegations of sexual offences involving two female members of his staff.
Charlie Elphicke was suspended from the party last November over unspecified ‘serious allegations’.
At the time, the Dover and Deal MP denied any wrongdoing and said he did not know what the allegations against him were. Yesterday it emerged that he was questioned under caution on March 12.
The Sunday Times claimed the alleged female victims were interviewed by Scotland Yard earlier this year.
Yesterday Mr Elphicke, 47, tweeted: ‘It was some five months before I was made aware of what the “allegations” against me were. Now I know, I am completely confident I will be able to prove my innocence. I will continue to defend myself vigorously for as long as necessary.’
In a statement, the married father-of-two said: ‘I met with the police on March 12 (and) was then told for the first time the nature of the allegations made against me.
‘Until that point I had no idea whatsoever of the allegations which had led to my having the Conservative whip suspended in early November 2017, despite my repeated requests for clarification to both the Chief Whip and the police. Naturally I am cooperating fully with the police and have made it clear to them that I vigorously deny any wrongdoing whatsoever.’
Sources said that the allegations were of the ‘Michael Fallon variety’ – a reference to the former defence secretary who was accused of putting his hand on a journalist’s knee and trying to kiss another woman.
They said Mr Elphicke had been accused of giving unwelcome attention towards female members of his staff and that the allegations were of ‘lowlevel sexual harassment’. The claims were ‘ pretty minor in
‘I deny any wrongdoing’
the scheme of things’. Mr Elphicke lost the party whip following complaints made by one of the women to the Chief Whip, Julian Smith.
Mr Smith came under pressure after suspending the MP in his first day as Chief Whip. Mr Elphicke complained that the saga had cast a long shadow over his family and said he had been ‘thrown to the wolves’ by the Conservative Party.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: ‘On 12 March, 2018, a man was interviewed under caution, by appointment. The interview was in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged sexual offences.’