Beth Williams

From allegations of inappropriate behaviour to cabinet resignations, here is everything you need to know about the Chris Pincher controversy.

Who is Chris Pincher?

Chris Pincher was a conservative MP for Tamworth. He was also appointed as Deputy Chief Whip in February 2022, after first holding the position between 2017-19. The deputy chief whip is partially responsible for ensuring discipline amongst party members.

Last week, Pincher quit this post following a night out at the Carlton Club, a private members’ club in London. In his resignation, Pincher admits that he “drank far too much” and “embarrassed” himself and others. This follows a series of allegations about his actions that night..

What are the allegations?

Chris Pincher has been accused of groping two men during the evening. He has since been suspended as a conservative member, meaning he sits as an independent candidate in Parliament.

It has now emerged that Pincher was the subject of an internal investigation in 2019, after similar reports of inappropriate behaviour were made. These allegations prompted his resignation when he first held the deputy whip post between 2017-2019. The complaint led to a disciplinary process which confirmed Pincher’s misconduct.

“Johnson is also said to have quipped; “Pincher by name, pincher by nature”  in a private conversation.”

Why is Boris Johnson under fire?

It’s been alleged that Boris Johnson was aware of the 2019 allegations against Pincher before appointing him as Chief Deputy Whip in February 2022.

Johnson is also said to have quipped; “Pincher by name, pincher by nature”  in a private conversation about the ex-deputy whip over two years ago. , which would suggest his awareness of rumours surrounding Pincher.

His wife, Carrie Johnson, even questioned Chris Pincher’s suitability for the role back in 2017, when Pincher was first appointed to the role.

This is despite Downing Street’s initial statement.

The Response from Downing Street

Downing Street has refused to comment on any potential remarks made in private conversations by Boris or Carrie Johnson. However, Downing Street did release a statement on July 1, saying that Johnson was not aware of  “specific allegations” surrounding Pincher before appointing him as Deputy Chief Whip.

This contradicts what Lord Simon McDonald has outlined in a letter to the parliamentary standards commissioner.

“Number 10 have had five full days to get the story correct and that has still not happened.”

What has Lord Simon McDonald claimed?

In a letter released today, Simon McDonald, who was the Foreign Office’s most senior civil servant from 2015 to 2020, said that a group of officials had complained to him about Pincher’s behaviour in 2019. This resulted in an internal investigation.

He then went on to reveal that “Mr Johnson was briefed in person about the initiation and outcome of the investigation”.

Speaking on Radio 4’s Today Show, McDonald said “Number 10 have had five full days to get the story correct and that has still not happened”.

Following the bombshell letter, Downing Street has denied misleading journalists with the original statement. Yet, they have since diverted from their original claim, releasing a statement saying that Johnson was aware of  “allegations that were either resolved or did not progress to a formal complaint”.

How have politicians responded?

During media appearances this morning, Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Rabb, who was Foreign Minister in 2019, denied any knowledge of the original Chris Pincher investigation, as well as the PM’s own awareness.

Deputy Labour Leader Angela Rayner was granted an urgent question surrounding the Pincher Row in the commons today, asking minister Michael Ellis to “make a statement on the mechanisms for upholding standards in public life”.

Ellis responded through detailing all the bodies and institutions in place to try and uphold these standards, which was met with jeers by the opposite benches. He also claimed that Boris Johnson “did not immediately recall” being briefed on the accusations, rather than lying about hearing them at all.

Cabinet Resignation

Health Secretary Sajid Javid and Chancellor Rishi Sunak have both resigned following the row.

In his letter of resignation, Javid wrote; “The vote of confidence last month showed that a large number of our colleagues agree. We [Conservative party] may not have always been popular, but we have been competent in acting in the national interest. Sadly, in the current circumstances, the public are concluding that we are now neither. I regret to say, however, that it is clear to me that this situation will not change under your leadership and you have therefore lost my confidence too.”

Sunak wrote on Twitter;  “I recognise this may be my last ministerial job, but I believe these standards are worth fighting for and that is why I am resigning”. This follows Sunak’s own controversy after attending a Downing Street party.

What happens next?

This evening, Boris Johnson has said he “bitterly regrets” the appointment of Chirs Pincher as Deputy Chief Whip.

Following allegations of lying surrounding partygate, these latest allegations will certainly test party loyalty for the PM. It has been alleged that Tory rebels are already planning a second leadership challenge.

The resignation of such prominent cabinet members could be a sign that more are to follow.

Chris Pincher has been referred to the parliamentary watchdog over his behaviour.

Image courtesy of  Wikimedia Commons. Image license found here. No changes were made to this image.

Originally from North Wales, Beth is a third year English and Journalism student at Cardiff University. As well as a contributor, Beth is the editor-in-chief of "Gair Rhydd", her university's newspaper. When she isn't writing, you'll find her reading, cooking or on a (very slow) run.

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