Ross Thomson denies allegations of inappropriate behaviour

Conservative MP Ross Thomson has rejected allegations of inappropriate sexual behaviour in a Westminster bar, saying they are “completely false”, while referring himself to his party’s disciplinary panel.

The Scottish Conservatives launched an inquiry into Thomson’s behaviour following reports he had been escorted from a House of Commons bar by police following a complaint over “sexual touching”.

Interim leader Jackson Carlaw yesterday warned “the alleged behaviour is completely unacceptable and falls well below the standard I think any of us would expect of any elected representative”.

Earlier this week a Scotland Yard spokesperson confirmed police had been called to a bar in the Palace of Westminster following a report of “sexual touching”.

They said: “Officers attended and spoke to the parties involved – three men in their 20s and 30s. However, no formal allegations were made to the officers and no arrests were made.”

Reports then suggested the MP had been escorted out of the bar by police.

But Thomson has denied the allegations, saying he would refer himself to the Conservative Party’s Disciplinary Panel on the Code of Conduct “in the interests of openness and transparency”.

He said: “A series of serious allegations have been made against me that have featured in the media. I would like to state that these allegations from anonymous sources are completely false.

“No complaint has been made to the Police, Parliament or the Conservative party. Nevertheless in the interests of openness and transparency I am referring myself to the Conservative Party’s Disciplinary Panel on the Code of Conduct.

“This has been a deeply distressing time for me and my family but I intend to be back at work on Monday.”