Tory MP charged with sexual assaults

Tory MP Patrick Spencer has been charged with two counts of sexual assault at London's Groucho Club.

The charges follow two alleged incidents involving two different women at the private members' club, in Soho, in August 2023, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said.

Mr Spencer - who is the Conservative MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich - will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday 16 June.

The Metropolitan Police said the 37-year-old was charged after attending a voluntary interview at a London police station on 13 March.

Frank Ferguson, head of the CPS special crime and counter terrorism division, said: "Following a review of the evidence provided by the Metropolitan Police Service, we have authorised two counts of sexual assault against Patrick Spencer MP.

"The charges follow two alleged incidents involving two separate women at the Groucho Club in central London in August 2023.

"The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against this defendant are now active and that he has the right to a fair trial.

"It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."

Mr Spencer was first elected to Parliament last year with a majority of 4,290.

A Conservative Party spokesman said: "The Conservative Party believes in integrity and high standards. We have taken immediate action.

"Patrick Spencer MP has been suspended from the Conservative Party, and the whip withdrawn, with immediate effect.

"The Conservative Party cannot comment further on an ongoing legal case."

The Groucho Club, in Dean Street, opened in 1985 and became a renowned meeting place for A-list celebrities and others, including actors, comedians and media executives.

The club was named after the comedian and actor Groucho Marx, who reportedly once said he would refuse to join any club that would have him as a member.

It was originally set up as a more relaxed alternative to traditional gentlemen's clubs, according to the venue's website, which adds that members should be in the creative industry "and share the club's maverick spirit".

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