HOW CHIEF WHIP TOLD MP HE WAS REPORTING ‘SERIOUS ALLEGATIONS’ TO POLICE... AS WIFE LISTENED IN ON THE CALL

January 2017 Two Whips, including Julian Smith [JS], privately confront MP Charlie Elphicke [CE] over claims he sexually harassed a female ex-employee and failed to pay wages she was owed.

A Tory source said: ‘Charlie was told a former female employee had made sexual allegations against him. He was told... ‘We can’t have MPs behaving like this. If she goes to police we’ll have to support her. She says you did not pay her (wages) in full.’ CE: ‘I see what this is about now. The claims are b******s. The payment is being processed.’ Later in January A Whip allegedly tells Elphicke: ‘The payment has been made. She is withdrawing her complaint completely. There is no further action. We have destroyed the papers.’

NINE MONTHS LATER…

The ‘Pestminster’ row erupts at Westminster in October. November 2 Smith promoted to Chief Whip in reshuffle after Defence Secretary Michael Fallon sacked for ‘lunging’ at a female journalist and touching knee of another. November 3

9.05pm Elphicke learns Smith has suspended him from Tory Party in a tweet by BBC Political Editor Laura Kuenssberg.

9.07pm Smith leaves voice message for Elphicke saying decision to suspend him taken by ‘myself and the Prime Minister’.

9.10pm Elphicke rings Smith who says he is passing ‘very serious allegations’ to police - but refuses to go into detail. Elphicke’s wife Natalie listens in. JS: ‘Hello Charlie. In consultation with the Prime Minister I am tonight suspending the whip from you.’ CE: ‘Why is that?’

JS: ‘Very serious allegations have been given to us and we have given them to the police.’ CE: I’m not aware of anything. This is extraordinary.’ JS: ‘I’m not getting into a discussion about it tonight.’ CE: ‘What are the allegations?’ JS: I have referred them to the police.’ CE: ‘This is prejudicial to my ability to defend myself.’ November 5 Elphicke is told he faces

historic sex harassment claim by a second woman who is a lobbyist. He denies it.

FOUR MONTHS LATER…

March 12, 2018 Elphicke is quizzed by police. They say former female aide claimed he ‘fondled her breasts’ and ‘touched her leg’ in 2016. Elphicke denies both accusations and says he TOGETHER: Charlie Elphicke with his wife Natalie on Election night spent evening having supper with his mother. Officers also say a second woman alleges he ‘lunged’ at her in lift after drinks at Commons in 2015. Elphicke denies it. Police make no mention of alleged rape claim.