Christian Matheson
(Picture: House of Commons)A Labour MP has resigned after Westminster’s sleaze watchdog recommended he should be suspended for “serious sexual misconduct”.
Christian Matheson, the City of Chester MP, said he would step down following the report released by the Independent Expert Panel on Friday.
It upheld several complaints by a former staff member who accused Matheson of inviting her on a private trip abroad, which was “sexually motivated, unwanted, and had placed the complainant under pressure and intimidated her”.
During a work event held outside the Parliamentary estate, the victim said he had also “made personal comments about her appearance while looking at her suggestively; made her hold his hand as they left and insisted on accompanying her to her bus stop”.
While there he had “invited her back to his flat, kissed her twice on the forehead and attempted to kiss her on the mouth” the report said.
The Commissioner concluded that these were all unwanted and unwelcome sexual advances.
It recommended the MP face a four week suspension from House of Commons, which could have triggered a recall petition.
Mr Matheson, who was elected in 2015, denies serious sexual misconduct but said he would resign.
It is understood that Labour’s Chief Whip spoke to Mr Matheson and told him that he has lost the whip and he should stand down as an MP.
He has also been told him to stay away from the Parliamentary Estate.
A Labour spokesman said: “This is an incredibly serious case.
“There must be a zero tolerance for sexual harassment and the Labour party has acted immediately following the ICGS findings.
“We will now select a candidate that the people of Chester can be proud to vote for.”
