Next PM’S majority cut to two after MP’S sex assault charge

BORIS JOHNSON is set to inherit a government with a working majority of just two after a Conservative MP was yesterday suspended after being charged with sexual assault.

The front-runner to succeed Theresa May will face a test of his leadership when he walks into No10, having already lost two MPS during the course of the Tory leadership election.

Within days of forming his new administration, Mr Johnson, who is expected to be unveiled as the new Conservative party leader today, will be forced to contest a by-election in Brecon and Radnorshire, where Chris Davies – who was ousted following a recall petition in June – is expected to lose to the Liberal Democrats. Losing the seat would see Mr Johnson’s majority decrease to one, reducing his prospects of delivering Brexit and increasing the chances of Labour tabling a motion of no confidence.

It comes after Charlie Elphicke, the MP for Dover, was yesterday charged with three counts of sexual assault against two women. He was suspended from the party in 2017 after police began an investigation into the claims, which he strongly denies.

He was reinstated last year as Mrs May attempted to get her deal through Parliament but has now had the whip suspended again.

Mr Elphicke will appear at Westminster magistrates’ court on Sept 6 and will stay on as an MP during the legal process. If he is convicted and jailed for more than a year, he would be stripped of his seat and a by-election called.