Rishi Sunak Faces Political Challenges
Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, now faces two crucial by-elections as Member of Parliament Chris Pincher teeters on the brink of being expelled from the Commons. This development comes as the Conservative Party moves to formally replace Nadine Dorries, setting the stage for a showdown in Mid Bedfordshire in mid-October.
Appeal Lost over Groping Scandal
Chris Pincher has lost his appeal against the suspension he faces for groping men in an upscale club last year. The scandal, originally exposed by HOAR, played a part in the downfall of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson last summer. The House of Commons Committee on Standards recommended an eight-week suspension for Pincher. However, the former Tory whip argued that the punishment was disproportionate.
Possible Removal from the Commons
A sub-panel thoroughly reviewed the appeal and upheld the original sanction, meaning that if Members of Parliament agree, Pincher could be removed from the Commons for eight weeks. This would then trigger a recall petition.
Nadine Dorries' Formal Exit
Meanwhile, Nadine Dorries formally resigned as an MP last month after a scathing attack on the Prime Minister. In a 1,787-word letter to Boris Johnson, she accused him of inciting a frenzy, leading to threatening incidents that prompted police visits to her home. She had initially announced her intention to step down in June after failing to receive a Peerage in Johnson's resignation honours list.
Multiple By-Election Challenges for the Prime Minister
These developments pose significant challenges for the Prime Minister, who now faces two major by-elections while preparing for his party conference and marking his first year in office this November.
