Tories’ terror of losing sex-text MP by-election
Griffiths clings on despite scandal
FORMER minister Andrew Griffiths was last night clinging on as an MP despite growing calls for him to quit over his sex text scandal.
And it was claimed the Tories are desperate to avoid a by-election for the married dad’s seat, fearing it could loosen their grip on power. Residents in Griffiths’ constituency yesterday led the calls for him to go after he was caught sending 2,000 sleazy messages in just three weeks to barmaid Imogen Treharne and a pal. One, Anna Watson, 21, said: “I think I’d feel uncomfortable around him after seeing what messages have been sent about these women and what his fantasies are. I don’t think it’s acceptable at all. I think he should resign as an MP.” Michael Fitzpatrick, who leads the Labour group in Mr Griffiths’ Burton and Uttoxeter constituency, said he “wouldn’t be surprised” if the Tories did not force the former Small Business Minister to quit. He added: “They like to cling on to power above everything else, especially at a time when the Government are relying on 10 members of the DUP. “They might not want to risk reducing that majority even more. Griffiths crossed a line in such a bad way that he has no choice, and the Conservative Association have no choice but to call for his resignation.”
But local Tory councillor David Leese said he did not feel resigning was “appropriate”. He added: “We have to be careful about knee jerk politics. Give the guy a chance to say what it’s about.
“I want to hear him speak and explain what the hell is going on and what he’s going to do. Because he’s been a good MP. But I’ve found some statements from the texts seem to be at odds with issues he’s stood for.”
Mr Leese said he felt sorry for Griffiths’ wife, Kate, 47, mum of the MP’s three-month-old girl, Alice. He claimed it was like his colleague had an “alter ego” and added: “Last time I saw him he was with Kate and the baby. They were just the ideal couple.” Griffiths quit on Friday, before the Sunday Mirror’s sex text story broke. In the messages he called himself “Daddy” and referred to Imogen, 28, and her pal as the “ti**y twins”.
He also promised money for racy images and described rough sex he claimed to have had with other women.
Griffiths said he was “deeply ashamed at my behaviour”.
But he could become the first MP to be investigated by Parliament’s new harassment and bullying watchdog, if the two women complain.
They like to cling on to power above anything else MICHAEL FITZPATRICK LABOUR GROUP LEADER