Accused MP denies all allegations ‘categorically’

Tories also suspend MP over “serious allegations” – which he also denies

Suspended Labour MP Kelvin Hopkins has “absolutely and categorically” denied allegations of inappropriate conduct made by party activist Ava Etemadzadeh.

Ms Etemadzadeh’s claims that the MP sent her suggestive texts and acted inappropriately are being investigated by Labour.

The party’s leader Jeremy Corbyn has come under fire for promoting Mr Hopkins to the shadow cabinet last year after the allegations first surfaced.

Meanwhile, Dover and Deal MP Charlie Elphicke has denied any wrongdoing over serious allegations made against him.

The move came after Tory chief whip Julian Smith suspended the Conservative Party whip from the MP.

Mr Smith said: “I have suspended the Conservative Party Whip from Charlie Elphicke MP following serious allegations that have been referred to the police.”

Mr Elphicke tweeted: “The party tipped off the press before telling me of my suspension. I am not aware of what the alleged claims are and deny any wrongdoing.”

In a statement issued by his solicitors, Mr Hopkins denied claims he acted inappropriately following a Labour student event.

The MP said: “I absolutely and categorically deny that I in any way engaged in any such inappropriate conduct.

“I simply put an arm around her shoulder to give her a brief, slight hug just before getting in to my car.

“I did not hold her tight. I did not rub any part of my body, let alone my crotch, against Ava.”

Mr Hopkins claims that Ms Etemadzadeh sent him a text later that evening saying: “Thank you so much Kelvin for coming tonight!! We had a fantastic time. My members loved you! :-) You’re a star! x Ava”.

Referring to claims made by Ms Etemadzadeh after a meeting with the MP in the Commons, Mr Hopkins said: “It is reported in the press that at that meeting I asked questions about her personal life and that I made her uncomfortable with a suggestion that I would have liked to take her to my office if it were empty.

“I have no recollection whatsoever of such conversations.”

The MP claims that Ms Etemadzadeh sent him a text after that meeting saying: “Thank you, Kelvin for today. It was lovely meeting you! :-) xx”

Mr Hopkins has confirmed he did send Ms Etemadzadeh a text calling her “charming and sweet matured” and stated “a nice young man would be lucky to have you as a girlfriend and lover... Were I to be young... but I am not...”

The MP claims Ms Etemadzadeh sent him a text saying: “Oh thank you Kelvin for such kind words. I was ill last week for a couple of days and also I had run for NUS delegate...So sorry if I couldn’t speak to you last week x”.

Mr Hopkins said he was “shocked” by the allegations and would cooperate with the internal Labour inquiry.

Picture: PA. Labour MP Kelvin Hopkins has issued a strong denial of any wrongdoing.