Tory Whip Chris Pincher resigns from UK government

The former Comptroller of the Household has stepped down from the Whips’ Office and referred himself to the police following accusations about his behaviour.

His resignation comes after the Mail on Sunday reported that Pincher has been accused of making an unwanted pass at a Conservative activist and former British rower Alex Story.

"If Mr Story has ever felt offended by anything I said then I can only apologise to him," Pincher told the newspaper.

Pincher, MP for Tamworth in Staffordshire, has been Comptroller of the Household since June.

Downing Street said that Pincher has also “voluntarily” referred himself to the party’s complaints procedure.

"After several conversations with the Chief Whip, in order to address a number of questions, Mr Pincher has voluntarily referred himself both to the party's complaints procedure and the police, and has voluntarily stood down from the Whips Office in the meantime," a Downing Street spokesman said.

This follows the resignation of Sir Michael Fallon as defence secretary following complaints about his behaviour, and several other serious allegations

Prime Minister Theresa May have since called for a “new culture of respect” ahead of a meeting with other party leaders to discuss the Westminster sexual misconduct scandal.

The PM said in a speech to the CBI that the people’s complaints would be investigated properly.