Tories back MP after husband convicted of sexual assaults
NATALIE ELPHICKE’S local Conservative Association has backed her “strong character” and insisted she has their full support.
The MP’S husband, Charlie Elphicke, a former Conservative MP, was convicted of sexually assaulting two women on Thursday.
He served the Dover constituency between 2010 and 2019, when he was succeeded by Ms Elphicke.
Elphicke was released on bail but warned by Mrs Justice Whipple that he faced the “very real possibility” of jail.
In a statement after the court hearing, Ms Elphicke said: “Today’s verdict is one that brings profound sorrow. It ends my 25-year marriage to the only man I have ever loved.”
Yesterday, Keith Single, the chairman of Dover & Deal Conservative Association, expressed his support for Ms Elphicke.
He said: “This was a legal matter and as an association our focus has always been on supporting our candidate and councillors to try to deliver a brighter future for Dover & Deal.
“In that regard the only thing I want to say is that Natalie retains our full support. She has an incredibly impressive professional background and has done an excellent job since becoming MP,” he added.
“I think everyone should (give) Natalie a bit of space to reflect on what must be an immensely difficult time for her and her family.
“She has shown us many times what a strong character she is and I have no doubt she’ll be back soon fighting tirelessly for her community again.”
A jury at Southwark Crown Court dismissed the claims of 49-year-old Charlie Elphicke that his accusers were lying, instead believing victims who gave tearful evidence during a threeand-a-half week trial.
Elphicke, a former lawyer, sighed and looked at his lawyer as the jury recorded guilty verdicts in each of three counts of sexual assault. He is due to be sentenced in September.