Chris Pincher, the former deputy chief whip who resigned after he was accused of groping two men, has said he is seeking “professional medical support”. He also said he was “truly sorry” and would co-operate fully with the inquiry into his alleged behaviour at a private members’ club in London.
He dramatically resigned from his government job on Thursday night after claims he groped two men in a private members’ club.
But he remained a Conservative MP for another 24 hours until Boris Johnson finally bowed to pressure to remove the party whip.
Now sitting as an independent, Mr Pincher is battling to remain in the House of Commons in the face of opposition from those who say his position is untenable.
In a statement, he said: “I respect the Prime Minister’s decision to suspend the whip whilst an inquiry is underway, and I will co-operate fully with it.
“As I told the Prime Minister, I drank far too much on Wednesday night, embarrassing myself and others, and I am truly sorry for the upset I caused.
“The stresses of the last few days, coming on top of those over the last several months, have made me accept that I will benefit from professional medical support.
“I am in the process of seeking that now, and I hope to be able to return to my constituency duties as soon as possible.”
