Chris Pincher: Claim tories tried silence accuser as 'categorically false'

The party claims that a councillor's allegation that Chris Pincher, former deputy chief whip, was ordered by the Tories was "categorically false".

Chris Pincher: Claim tories tried silence accuser as 'categorically false'

The party claims that a councillor's allegation that Chris Pincher, former deputy chief whip, was ordered by the Tories was "categorically false".

Daniel Cook claimed that the Tamworth MP had groped him in 2005, and 2006. Mr Pincher refutes this claim.

Cook claimed that he was instructed by a colleague not to speak after being told by Conservative headquarters.

According to the party, no one at headquarters "asked anyone to be silent".

On July 1, allegations surfaced that Pincher allegedly groped two men at a private members club. This led to Pincher's suspension from the party.

Cook, Tamworth's deputy mayor, waived anonymity. He first made his claims on Channel 4, Tuesday. Then, he repeated them to Elizabeth Glinka, BBC West Midlands political editor, on Friday.

According to the Tory councillor, after Mr Pincher's claims were made, Tamworth Conservatives were contacted and told by their headquarters that "everybody should shut up."

He stated that there was "a wall of silence among Conservative councillors, until I said something".

He said that he was influenced by the advice and encouraged to speak up.

A party spokesperson responded to Mr Cook's claims by saying it was "categorically false" that Conservative headquarters had asked anyone to remain silent over a complaint or allegation.

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