Charlie Elphicke: Tory MP suspended and reported to police over 'serious' allegations

Dover MP denies any wrongdoing and says he is not aware of the claims that have been made

(PA)

Tory MP Charlie Elphicke has been suspended after "serious allegations" were referred to the police, the Conservative party's chief whip has said.

The MP for Dover has held his seat since 2010 and is a member of the Commons Treasury Select Committee.

Mr Elphicke has denied any wrongdoing and took to Twitter to say he was not aware of the claims.

The announcement came from the Tory chief whip, Julian Smith, who was appointed after a mini-reshuffle carried out by Prime Minister Theresa May on 2 November.

“I have suspended the Conservative Party Whip from Charlie Elphicke MP following serious allegations that have been referred to the police," he said.

The news comes as sexual misconduct allegations continue to swirl around Westminster.

The Independent revealed Labour was investigating Clive Lewis after a complaint that he groped a woman at the party's annual conference this year.

Earlier in the week Kelvin Hopkins, who represents Luton North, was accused by party activist Ava Etemadzadeh of sending a series of inappropriate messages in 2015, claiming that on one occasion: “He hugged me to say goodbye, held me too tight and rubbed his crotch on me, which I found revolting.”

Mr Hopkins has “absolutely and categorically” denied the allegations of inappropriate conduct made by Ms Etemadzadeh.

The party is investigating both him and Jared O’Mara MP, who was accused of making misogynistic comments in articles. Mr O’Mara has apologised for online remarks he made between 2002 and 2004, but denies some more recent claims.

The Conservative Party is also reeling after Sir Michael Fallon quit as Defence Secretary amid claims of inappropriate behaviour. Although Sir Michael has said his general conduct fell short of expected standards, he has denied allegations he made “lewd remarks” to fellow minister Andrea Leadsom.

First Secretary of State Damian Green and minister Mark Garnier both face separate Cabinet Office investigations into their behaviour.

Mr Green has denied making advances on a journalist, while Mr Garnier has admitted asking a female member of staff to buy two sex toys for him.