Lord McDonald has claimed today that Boris Johnson was briefed “in-person” over sexual misconduct allegations against Chris Pincher.
The former head of the diplomatic service says Johnson was made aware of the claims prior to Pincher’s reshuffle from the foreign office to the whips office in February.
In a letter addressed to parliament’s standards committee this morning, McDonald claimed No 10 had lied about Johnson’s approach to the Pincher scandal.
This is after Dominic Raab (deputy prime minister) admitted to Sky News, that Pincher was the subject of a second complaint while Pincher was serving as foreign office minister in 2019.
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Raab avoided delving into the details of the complaint, explaining: “just because I am respecting the confidentiality of the processes and those involved I don’t think it is right for me to go into that.”
Pincher announced his resignation from the role last Thursday evening with a letter that began: “Dear prime minister, last night I drank far too much. I’ve embarrassed myself and other people which is the last thing I want to do and I apologize to those concerned.”
The Sun reportedThe Tamworth MP allegedly groped 2 guests at the Carlton Club that night.
Pincher denied the claims.
2017 saw Pincher being accused by Alex Story, a former Team GB rower and Tom Blenkinsop, of sexual misconduct. He resigned from his position as assistant whip. Two months after he had resigned from this position, Theresa May appointed el as deputy chief whip.
More to come
