Boris Johnson 'was made aware of Chris Pincher complaint before making him deputy chief whip'

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Boris Johnson was made aware of a formal complaint about Chris Pincher's 'inappropriate behaviour' while he was a Foreign Office minister from 2019-20, according to reports. It is thought the Prime Minister knew about the issue, which triggered a disciplinary process into the MP's misconduct.

The news has now raised new questions about what Johnson was aware of before he appointed the MP to deputy chief whip. Downing Street confirmed on Monday that Mr Johnson knew of concerns about Mr Pincher’s conduct when he made him deputy chief whip in February.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said while he knew of claims that were “either resolved or did not progress to a formal complaint”, it was not considered appropriate to block the appointment based on 'unsubstantiated allegations'. However the BBC later reported that Mr Johnson was made aware of a formal complaint about Mr Pincher’s 'inappropriate behaviour' while the MP was a minister in the Foreign Office from 2019-20.

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A Government spokesperson said: “There are robust procedures in place for any members of staff to raise allegations of misconduct. It is long-standing policy not to comment on any matters involving individual cases.”

But No 10 – and a succession of ministers – had previously stated that Johnson had not been aware of such 'specific allegations' against Mr Pincher. Mr Pincher plunged the Government into a new crisis when he quit last week over allegations he groped two men at a Conservative private members’ club.

Recently, Pincher has denied new allegations of inappropriate behaviour dating back years. During his time as Foreign Office minister, an official complaint was