Two Tory MPs under investigation over allegations of sexual harassment including party whip who resigned his role are cleared of breaching rules

  • Stephen Crabb and Chris Pincher cleared by a panel of breaching Tory rules
  • Mr Crabb had reportedly admitted sending explicit messages to a 19-year-old
  • Mr Pincher stood down from the whips' office after making an unwanted pass at former Olympic rower and Conservative activist Alex Story

By Jack Doyle Executive Political Editor For The Daily Mail

Published: | Updated:

Two Conservative MPs have been cleared of breaching party rules following investigations into allegations of inappropriate conduct.

Stephen Crabb and Chris Pincher were cleared by a panel headed by an independent QC of breaching the Conservatives' code of conduct.

Amid a tide of Westminster sleaze allegations in October, Mr Crabb was reported to have admitted sending explicit messages to a 19-year-old woman he interviewed for a job.

The party found that while the former cabinet minister's behaviour fell short of the party's standards and was 'inappropriate', it 'did not constitute harassment'.

Stephen Crabb, pictured, and Chris Pincher were cleared by a panel headed by an independent QC of breaching the Conservatives' code of conduct
Stephen Crabb, pictured, and Chris Pincher were cleared by a panel headed by an independent QC of breaching the Conservatives' code of conduct
Stephen Crabb and Chris Pincher, pictured, were cleared by a panel headed by an independent QC of breaching the Conservatives' code of conduct
Stephen Crabb and Chris Pincher, pictured, were cleared by a panel headed by an independent QC of breaching the Conservatives' code of conduct

Stephen Crabb, pictured left, and Chris Pincher, pictured right, were cleared by a panel headed by an independent QC of breaching the Conservatives' code of conduct

Mr Pincher stood down from the whips' office and referred himself to the Tory complaints procedure following Mail on Sunday reports that he had been accused of making an unwanted pass at former Olympic rower and Conservative activist Alex Story.

Mr Pincher told the newspaper in November: 'If Mr Story has ever felt offended by anything I said then I can only apologise to him.'

Referring to Mr Crabb's case, a Conservative Party spokesman said: 'Following an investigation, a panel headed by an independent QC has concluded that Mr Crabb's behaviour did not constitute harassment.

Ā Mrs Mayā€™s decision to appoint Mr Pincher as Deputy Chief Whip was criticised by some Tory MPs
Ā Mrs Mayā€™s decision to appoint Mr Pincher as Deputy Chief Whip was criticised by some Tory MPs

The allegations came amid a tide of similar Westminster sleaze claims in October (stock photo)

'However, it found that his behaviour in this matter was inappropriate and fell short of the standards the party expects.

'The party chairman has reminded Mr Crabb of the need to adhere to the spirit and letter of the code of conduct at all times. He accepted this unreservedly and has made a full apology.'

On Mr Pincher, the spokesman said: 'Following media allegations, Chris Pincher referred himself to our code of conduct.

'Following an investigation, a panel headed by an independent QC considered the evidence and has concluded there has not been a breach of the code of conduct.'

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