Boris Johnson’s deputy chief whip has resigned over an allegation of “groping”, Sky News understands.
Chris Pincher said he had drunk “far too much” and had “embarrassed myself and other people” on a night out.
The Conservative MP for Tamworth has written to the prime minister to explain his decision to stand down.
He said in his letter: “Last night I drank far too much.
“I’ve embarrassed myself and other people which is the last thing I want to do and for that I apologise to you and to those concerned.
“I think the right thing to do in the circumstances is for me to resign as deputy chief whip. I owe it to you and the people I’ve caused upset to, to do this.”
Mr Pincher added: “I want to assure you that you will continue to have my full support from the back benches, and I wish you all the best as you deal with aftershocks of COVID and the challenges of international inflation.
“It has been the honour of my life to have served in Her Majesty’s Government.”
Chris Pincher has been an MP since the 2010 general election, when the Conservatives formed a coalition with the Liberal Democrats.
Before becoming deputy chief whip he was minister of state for Europe and the Americas, and minister of state for housing.
He also writes a column on alcoholic drinks for The Critic magazine. A recent one was headlined: “Fall into the gin trap.”
The Tories are not the only party facing sleaze allegations at present.
Earlier this month, it emerged that SNP MP Patrick Grady was facing suspension from the House of Commons after an allegation of sexual misconduct was upheld following a parliamentary investigation.
The independent expert panel recommended that Mr Grady should be suspended from the House for two days for making an “unwanted sexual advance” to a member of party staff at a work social event in a pub in 2016.
Mr Grady was also ordered to make a public apology in the chamber and to say sorry privately to the person who complained.
The SNP’s leader in Westminster, Ian Blackford, has faced calls to step down in connection with the same matter.
