LONDON — Conservative MP Patrick Spencer has been charged with two counts of sexual assault which are alleged to have taken place at London’s elite Groucho Club.
Spencer, who has represented Central Suffolk and North Ipswich for the Conservatives since July’s general election, was charged by the Metropolitan Police Service in connection with two sexual assaults at the private members’ venue in central London. They are alleged to have occurred in Aug. 2023, which was before Spencer became a member of parliament.
The charges relate to two separate women. Spencer will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on June 16. He has been suspended from the Conservative Party and had the whip withdrawn, the party confirmed Tuesday.
Head of the Crown Prosecution Service Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division Frank Ferguson 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.”
He added: “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.”
The Groucho Club, a longstanding hotspot for celebrities in London, was temporarily closed in November after its operating license was suspended at the request of the Metropolitan Police. It was reopened in January.
A Conservative spokesperson 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 Patrick Spencer MP has been suspended from the Conservative Party, and the whip withdrawn, with immediate effect.”
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