Deputy PM DominicRaab recalls an allegation of 'inappropriate behaviour' against Chris Pincher in 2019 when he was foreign secretary. More on this story:
Shortly before the letter was published, Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab told Sky News' Kay Burley that he knew about the allegation when he was foreign secretary in 2019.
This is not true. In the summer of 2019, shortly after he was appointed minister of state at the Foreign Office, a group of officials complained to me about Mr Pincher's behaviour. I discussed the matter with the relevant official at the Cabinet Office. An investigation upheld the complaint; Mr Pincher apologised and promised not to repeat the inappropriate behaviour. There was no repetition at the FCO before he left seven months later.
I am aware that is unusual to write to you and simultaneously publicise the letter. I am conscious of the duty owed to the target of an investigation but I act out of of my duty towards the victims. Mr Pincher deceived me and others in 2019. He cannot be allowed to use the confidentiality of the process three years ago to pursue his predatory behaviour in other contexts.
Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner said it was"now clear that the prime minister knew about the seriousness of these complaints but decided to promote this man to a senior position in government anyway", adding:"He refused to act and then lied about what he knew. The party whip was only removed from him - leaving him sitting as an independent MP for his Tamworth constituency - on Friday afternoon after the PM bowed to pressure, and a formal complaint was made to parliament's Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme ., including education minister Will Quince, who said he had been given"categorical assurance" the PM was not aware of any serious specific allegations.
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