UK Labour MP resigns for initiating sexual advances at junior staffer
Matheson resigned after a parliamentary watchdog recommended that his suspension from the Commons for four weeks over "serious sexual misconduct."
-
UK opposition MP resigns over sexual misconduct case.
Chris Matheson, an MP from Britain's Labour Party who served for the constituency of the City of Chester since 2015, presented his resignation on Friday after he admitted to a "minor breach" that he had made unwanted sexual advances at a young woman from his staff.
Matheson made the announcement official on his website today, saying, "I believe that the honourable and right thing to do now is to resign my seat and seek to build my life elsewhere," he said, adding that he "had no sexual motivation in this matter."
BREAKING: City of Chester Labour MP Chris Matheson quits.
— BBC North West (@BBCNWT) October 21, 2022
Morehttps://t.co/zrkZFVZRdz pic.twitter.com/jCSrz3kicj
Matheson resigned after a parliamentary watchdog recommended that he be suspended from the Commons for four weeks over "serious sexual misconduct."
According to the report, Matheson made "unwanted and unwelcome sexual advances" toward a young woman who was a junior member of his staff.
These included inviting her on a "sexually motivated" private trip to Gibraltar and trying to kiss her after a work-related dinner.
The city of Chester has announced it will initiate a by-election to replace Matheson in his constituency.
Labour Party statement on Chris Matheson: pic.twitter.com/OKOotkpZ6Q
— Liz Bates (@wizbates) October 21, 2022
The resignation comes against a backdrop of turmoil following Liz Truss announcing her resignation as Prime Minister yesterday.
Her precedent's premier, Boris Johnson, was marked by a slew of sexual scandals from staff members within his own party.
The UK is now grappling with the immense burden of dealing with an energy crisis without any viable solutions at hand.
Read more: Two No 10 employees testify to Tory MP sexual assault
