Tory MP Charlie Elphicke suspended over 'serious allegations'

Tory MP Charlie Elphicke has said he does not know the nature of the "serious allegations" his party says have been referred to police.

The senior backbencher, who represents Dover and Deal, was suspended late on Friday, Conservative chief whip Julian Smith confirmed, but there was no elaboration on the claims behind the move.

Mr Elphicke denied any wrongdoing and said the media had been informed of his suspension before he knew of it.

He tweeted: "The party tipped off the press before telling me of my suspension.

"I am not aware of what the alleged claims are and deny any wrongdoing."

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Mr Elphicke, 46, has held his Kent seat since 2010, and was a government whip between 2015 and 2016, standing down from that role after Theresa May replaced David Cameron as Prime Minister.

He also sits on the Commons Treasury Select Committee and is a member of the European Research Group of pro-Brexit Tory MPs.

The allegations come as Westminster has been rocked by a string of sexual harassment claims, with some warning the scandal will be "bigger than expenses".

It has already claimed its first Cabinet scalp, with Michael Fallon quitting as defence secretary, admitting his behaviour had "fallen below" the high standards expected of him.

It has now emerged he quit hours after Downing Street was approached with claims of an alleged sexual assault by Sir Michael, which he has strongly denied.

Conservative MPs Damian Green and Mark Garnier are both facing investigations over allegations of inappropriate behaviour.

Mr Green denies making "any sexual advances" towards a female journalist, while Mr Garnier admitted asking an ex-aide to buy sex toys.

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Meanwhile, veteran Labour MP Kelvin Hopkins has been suspended pending an investigation into claims of inappropriate touching and sending suggestive text messages, allegations he "absolutely and categorically" denies.

Former shadow cabinet member Clive Lewis has also been accused of touching a Labour activist inappropriately during the Labour 2017 conference.

He told Sky News he is denying the allegations "100%".

"I think it's right and proper that people should feel confident in Westminster and beyond, that if there's something that has happened, if there are allegations, they should feel confident in the process, they can come forward.

"We know there have been some serious allegations that have been made against politicians, however, it also means there are going to be allegations which aren't substantiated, which don't stand up.

"All I know is I don't, as a rule when I greet people, grab their bottom, with hundreds of party delegates around.

"It's just not what I do, it's not how I roll.

"So this person is either misunderstanding or they're lying, and it's not great but I also understand why this is happening."

He said that, despite a "growing gulf between politicians and the public, this is why in those situations people like myself and others will think twice before giving someone a hug back".

"It's sad but that's where we are," he added.

Former Labour Foreign Office minister Ivan Lewis has also denied he had made non-consensual sexual advances towards women.

The Bury South MP made the comments after BuzzFeed News reported a woman alleged he had touched her leg and invited her to his house when she was 19 at a Labour Party event in 2010.

A statement issued to the website through his lawyers said Mr Lewis had "never made non-consensual sexual comments or sexual advances to women".

The ex-minister added: "However, I understand that a few women have claimed that my behaviour made them feel uncomfortable.

"I have on occasion asked women I work with out for drinks or dinner, or developed strong feelings for them, and I am genuinely sorry if this was unwelcome or inappropriate in the circumstances, and caused anyone to feel awkward."