Suspended Tory MP says removal of whip is ‘wrong and unjustified’

Julian Knight

Suspended Conservative MP Julian Knight has said the removal of his whip is “wrong and unjustified”.

The Conservatives suspended Knight, who represents Solihull, following a complaint made to the Metropolitan Police.

Knight has claimed on Twitter he is being subject to “explicit threats involving blackmail as well as being at the centre of a campaign of rumour and innuendo”. Following his suspension he will now be recusing himself from Parliament.

The party spokeswoman for the chief whip Simon Hart, said on Wednesday (December 7) evening that: “Following a complaint made to the Metropolitan Police this evening, we have removed the whip from Julian Knight MP with immediate effect.”

Knight who has been an MP since 2015 and is the chair of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, will now sit as an independent.

Taking to Twitter this morning, Knight tweeted: “I have heard nothing from the police, the Whips Office or Parliament’s Internal Grievance Service, or been the subject of any investigation by the latter. Nor have I ever been warned or spoken to by the Whips office about any allegations of misconduct.

“I believe their withdrawal of the whip is wrong and unjustified.

“Some months ago I accepted the resignation of a staff member following a full enquiry into his conduct regarding House of Commons security issues and, separately, allegations of bullying against him.

“Subsequently, I have received what my lawyers advise are explicit threats involving blackmail as well as being at the centre of a campaign of rumour and innuendo. All matters are now with my lawyers and I will be recusing myself from Parliament until the matter is resolved.”

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