Lib Dem MP facing sex assault allegations could be suspended

Mike Hancock is being sued in a High Court civil action by a “vulnerable” constituent, accusing him of sexual assault after she contacted him for help in a neighbour dispute.

Mr Hancock, who vigorously denied the claims, was arrested by police over the allegations
in 2010 but no action was taken as the Crown Prosecution Service said there was insufficient evidence for a prosecution.

Deputy Prime Minister Mr Clegg said an internal party disciplinary hearing would
take place at the earliest opportunity to establish whether Mr Hancock should have the whip withdrawn.

He said: “As leader of the party, you have got to react when allegations of this seriousness are made, you can’t just sit there on your hands.”

Mr Clegg told radio station LBC 97.3: “When I heard on Wednesday that court papers had been served for some very serious allegations – which I have to stress he denies completely, which when the police looked at it they didn’t take further action, so I’m not prejudging that case – I immediately asked our chief whip to start disciplinary proceedings including the possibility of suspending the party whip.”

Mr Hancock, MP for Portsmouth South, said he was not aware of any disciplinary hearing being planned and claimed the way he had been treated by the party was “all a bit odd”.