Minister forced to resign over 'sexting' already under investigation for inappropriate behaviour prior to appointment

A married government minister who was forced to resign after a “sexting” scandal was already under investigation for allegations of inappropriate touching prior to appointment, it has been reported.

Andrew Griffiths resigned from his position as minister for small business after it emerged the married father-of-one had sent 2,000 sexually explicit text messages to two female constituents.

It has now emerged that in 2016, Mr Griffiths, who was previously Theresa May’s chief of staff, was accused by a Conservative borough councillor of being “very forward” after he allegedly held her waist and touched her knee.

The allegations, made by Deneice Florence-Jukes, were sent to Conservative campaign headquarters and Andrea Leadsom before being handed over to the party’s sexual harassment hotline, The Guardian reported.

Ms Leadsom said the “process was carried out by the leader’s office on the grounds that it wasn’t a matter for parliament”.

The investigation into the allegations had not been concluded when Mr Griffiths was appointed a minister.

He said it was “implausible” he would touch a female colleague’s knee in a room full of people but said he did put his arm around Ms Florence-Jukes’s waist, saying it was the “only other option” as she was tall and her husband had his hand over her back.

The inquiry was ultimately dismissed without any further action being taken.

Mr Griffiths has also faced allegations of bullying from a number of his Tory colleagues, with one alleged victim claiming "extreme bullying” continued for “many years”.

The 47-year-old resigned as a minister after the Sunday Mirror published details of the texts, in which he asked two women to send him explicit pictures and videos and referred to himself as “daddy”.

He apologised to his local Conservative party and to his constituents in Burton.

“I am deeply ashamed at my behaviour which has caused untold distress to my wife and family, to whom I owe everything, and deep embarrassment to the prime minister and the government I am so proud to serve,” he said.

“Following discussions today with the chief whip, I have referred myself to the Conservative Party’s code of conduct procedures. I entirely accept that pending this investigation it is right the whip is withdrawn.

“I do not seek to excuse my behaviour and will be seeking professional help to ensure it never happens again. In time I hope to earn the forgiveness of all those who put their trust in me and that I have let down so terribly.

“The prime minister and the government she leads will continue to have my full support.”

A Conservative spokesman said: “Our code of conduct is a robust process that ensures any official complaint made is investigated in full by an independent panel.

“The panel came to a clear decision and no further action was taken.”

Mr Griffiths has been contacted by The Independent but had not replied at the time of publication.