MP ‘confident’ of clearing name

Conservative MP Charlie Elphicke said he was “completely confident” of proving his innocence after reported allegations of sexual offences involving two members of his staff.

The Dover and Deal representative was suspended by the party in November following “serious allegations”.

At the time, Mr Elphicke denied any wrongdoing and said he did not know what the allegations against him were.

The Sunday Times claimed the alleged female victims were interviewed by Scotland Yard earlier this year.

Police also spoke to the MP under caution on March 12.

In a post on Twitter, Mr Elphicke said: “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.”

In a further statement published by the Mail on Sunday, Mr Elphicke added: “I met with the police on March 12 (and) was then told for the first time the nature of the allegations. 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.”

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “On March 12 a man was interviewed under caution, by appointment. The interview was in connection with an ongoing investigation being carried out by the Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command into alleged sexual offences.”