A decision could arrive by the end of the day
Conservative MP Neil Parish is expected to quit “within hours” following accusations of allegedly watching porn in the House of Commons.
As covered in multiple outlets, it is believed that Parish will make his decision public by the end of today after a party source spoke to the PA news agency.
The news swiftly follows reports from Parish that claimed he may have opened pornography on his phone by mistake.
Earlier this week Tory MPs met to discuss sexual harassment at Westminster and two MPs complained about a colleague watching porn on separate occasions. On Friday, Parish was identified as the MP in question and referred himself to the Commons standards commissioner who is conducting an inquiry.
The Tiverton and Honiton MP and chair of the Commons Environment Committee had the Conservative whip suspended yesterday but insisted that he would continue his duties until the results of the inquiry had been revealed.
However following increased pressure from fellow-MPs, it’s believed Parish could resign later today.
“Of course it’s embarrassing,” the 65-year-old told the BBC on Friday. “And it’s embarrassing for my wife and family, and so that’s my main concern at the moment. I have a very supportive wife and I thank her for that.”
He added: “I will await the findings of the inquiry and then I will consider my position. I will not remain if I am found guilty.”
This is a breaking story, more to follow…
Related links:
- Tory MP Neil Parish claims he may have opened porn by mistake in Commons
- NAMED: Tory MP caught watching pornography in the House of Commons
- Mail on Sunday editor refuses to meet speaker over Rayner story – Raab says that’s fine
