MP’s sex texts are read out in the House of Commons
SHAMED Burton MP Andrew Griffiths says he is “pleased” he has been allowed back into the Tory party – as his sordid texts to two women were read in Parliament.
The suspensions of Mr Griffiths and another MP were lifted on Wednesday in time for them to take part in the vote of confidence in Theresa May.
The news that the whip was restored to enable the married father-of-one to vote in favour of Mrs May has been strongly criticised by opposing politicians, who claimed the Government has committed a “desperate act”.
Mr Griffiths was suspended from the Conservative Party in July following revelations he had sent a series of sexually explicit and vile texts to two Burton barmaids. As a result the whip was withdrawn and he was only able to vote as an independent.
After the whip was restored, Mr Griffiths told the Derby Telegraph’s sister paper the Burton Mail: “The Conservative Party disciplinary panel recognised I was ill at the time of the messages, and because of the compelling medical evidence took no further action.
“I’m pleased that the party has now restored the whip and I welcome the opportunity to get on with my job and get things done.”
East Staffordshire Conservative Association said it was now seeking permission to restart its candidate selection process for the next General Election.
Meanwhile, some of Mr Griffiths’ text messages were read out in Parliament by Labour MP Jess Phillips, a campaigner for women who have been abused.
She also questioned what matters more to the Government – political power or protecting victims of sexual harassment and abuse.
Leader of the House, Tory MP Andrea Leadsom, answered that due process had been undertaken and assured members that the independent complaints procedure would conduct a proper investigation of any complaints made.
Mrs Phillips said to the House: “She is so cute, so sweet, I can’t wait to beat her. Can she take a beating?’
“Not my words, Mr Speaker. The words of the MP for Burton, while barraging two of his female constituents with thousands of sexual text messages.
“Last night, the leader of the house’s party gave him and the MP for Dover the whip back without any due process. What message does that send about how any process here in this place can ever be trusted?”