Conservative MP Charlie Elphicke 'completely confident' of clearing name after sex offence allegations

‘Now I know, I am completely confident I will be able to prove my innocence. I will continue to defend myself vigorously for as long as necessary,’ Dover and Deal MP says

The Tory MP was interviewed on 12 March by police (PA)

Conservative MP Charlie Elphicke said he was “completely confident” of proving his innocence after reported allegations of sexual offences involving two members of his staff.

The Dover and Deal representative was suspended by his party in November last year following “serious allegations”.

At the time, Mr Elphicke denied any wrongdoing and said he did not know what the allegations against him were.

The Sunday Times claimed the alleged female victims were interviewed by Scotland Yard earlier this year.

Police also spoke to the MP under caution on 12 March, which he claims was the first time he was made aware of the nature of the allegations.

In a post on Twitter, Mr Elphicke said: “It was some 5 months before I was made aware of what the “allegations” against me were.

“Now I know, I am completely confident I will be able to prove my innocence. I will continue to defend myself vigorously for as long as necessary.”

In a further statement published by the Mail on Sunday, Mr Elphicke added: “I met with the police on 12 March [and] was then told for the first time the nature of the allegations made against me.

“Until that point I had no idea whatsoever of the allegations which had led to my having the Conservative whip suspended in early November 2017, despite my repeated requests for clarification to both the chief whip and the police.”

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “On 12 March 2018, a man was interviewed under caution, by appointment. The interview was in connection with an ongoing investigation being carried out by the Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command into alleged sexual offences.

“The interview took place at a police building. At this stage in the investigation the Metropolitan Police Service will not comment further.”

Press Association