Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

‘I drank far too much’: Read Chris Pincher’s resignation letter in full after Tory MP ‘groped two men’

Deputy Chief Whip has written to Boris Johnson following an incident at a Tory Party private members’ club in London’s Piccadilly

Zoe Tidman
Friday 01 July 2022 08:46 BST
Chris Pincher: Tory deputy chief whip resigns over ‘groping’ claims

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The Tory party has been hit by a fresh scandal after its deputy chief whip resigned over an alleged groping incident.

Chris Pincher quit his post on Thursday over a drunken incident the night before.

Mr Pincher, who was responsible for maintaining discipline among Conservative MPs, said he had “embarrassed myself and other people” after having had “far too much” to drink.

It is alleged he groped two fellow guests at the Carlton Club - a Tory Party private members’ club in London’s Piccadilly - on Wednesday evening.

While he has stood down from his position as deputy chief whip, it is yet unclear whether he will remain in his position as MP for Tamworth.

Mr Pincher said in his resignation letter to the prime minister he had “embarrassed” himself and leaving his government post was the “right thing to do in the circumstances”.

Chris Pincher has quit his post as Tory deputy chief whip
Chris Pincher has quit his post as Tory deputy chief whip (PA)

Here is the resignation letter in full:

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 for that I apologise to you and to those concerned.

I think the right thing to do in the circumstances is for me to resign as deputy chief whip. I owe it to you and the people I’ve caused upset to, to do this.

I want to assure you that you will continue to have my full support from the back benches, and I wish you all the best as you deal with the aftershocks of Covid and the challenges of international inflation.”

It has been the honour of my life to have served in Her Majesty’s government.

Yours ever

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in