Tories 'drawing up by-election plans' in wake of Westminster sex scandal

John Ashmore

The Conservatives are reportedly readying for possible by-election battles in the wake of the sexual harassment claims sweeping Westminster.



Downing St has apparently told Tory operatives to draw up contingency plans in case an of the party's MPs are forced to quit Parliament.

Any Labour victories in ensuing by-elections would weaken Theresa May's already slender 12-seat working majority.

“We’re in a state of readiness to launch a local campaign at any time, almost anywhere," a party source told the Sun on Sunday.

“The events of the past week have taken us deep into uncharted territory.

"We have been told to leave nothing to chance and have drawn up a whole raft of contingency plans."

It comes after a tumultuous week in Westminster saw Michael Fallon resign as Defence Secretary, admitting his past behaviour had "fallen short" of the standards expected of him.

Dover MP Charlie Elphicke is facing a police investigation over "serious allegations". Mr Elphicke has said he does not know what the claims are and denies any wrongdoing.

Elsewhere Mark Garnier faces a Cabinet Office investigation over whether he broke the ministerial code by asking his secretary to buy him sex toys.