Crabb cleared of rules breach
FORMER Welsh Secretary Stephen Crabb has been cleared of breaching party rules following an investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct.
The Conservative Preseli Pembrokeshire MP is one of two MPs to be cleared of breaching party rules after allegations of inappropriate conduct.
Mr Crabb and Chris Pincher MP were cleared by a panel, headed by an independent QC, of breaching the Conservatives’ code of conduct.
Mr Crabb was reported to have admitted sending explicit messages to a 19-year-old woman he interviewed for a job.
The party found that while the former cabinet minister’s behaviour fell short of the party’s standards and was “inappropriate”, it “did not constitute harassment”.
Referring to Mr Crabb’s case, a Conservative Party spokesman said: “Following an investigation, a panel headed by an independent QC has concluded that Mr Crabb’s behaviour did not constitute harassment.
“However, it found that his behaviour in this matter was inappropriate and fell short of the standards the party expects.
“The party chairman has reminded Mr Crabb of the need to adhere to the spirit and letter of the code of conduct at all times. He accepted this unreservedly and has made a full apology.”
Mr Pincher stood down from the whips’ office and referred himself to the Tory complaints procedure following Mail on Sunday reports that he had been accused of making an unwanted pass at former Olympic rower and Conservative activist Alex Story.
On Mr Pincher, the spokesman said: “Following media allegations, Chris Pincher referred himself to our code of conduct. Following an investigation, a panel headed by an independent QC considered the evidence and has concluded there has not been a breach of the code of conduct.”