Get all the latest politics news Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Midland MP Nadhim Zahawi is under pressure as questions were raised about him attending a men-only charity dinner where it is claimed women were harassed and assaulted.

The Stratford MP attended the Presidents Club annual fundraiser at London's Dorchester Hotel. He has said he left the event early.

Two undercover Financial Times journalists reported that waitresses were groped and propositioned by other guests at the event. The hostesses were allegedly told to wear black underwear and "sexy" black shoes for their shift.

Also at the event was David Meller, a non-executive director at the Department for Education and one of the trustees of the Presidents Club. It was today announced that he has stepped down from his Government role.

Mr Zahawi is Minister for Children and Families in the Department for Education, and Birmingham MP Jess Phillips (Lab Yardley) asked in the House Commons whether Mr Zahawri had raised any concerns about the event and about Mr Meller's attendance.

Ms Phillips said: "What happened was that women were bought as bait for men who were rich men, not a mile from where we stand, as if that was an acceptable behaviour. It is totally unnaceptable."

Addressing Education Minister Anne Milton, Ms Phillips asked whether it had been appropriate for Mr Zahawi to attend.

"Can I ask the Minister if she thinks that one of the junior minsters in that department attending this event is appropriate?

"Can I ask if that Minister, the Minister for Children and Families, raised concerns with the Department about David Meller and his conduct, after he had realised what as going on at the event?

"And what is the Department going to do to make sure that a message is sent that this lads' culture has no place in the Department for Education, and it has no place in our country?"

Education Minister Anne Milton said: "The reports of women being bought and sold are extraordinary".

"I think there is an association between rich, wealthy people and this sort of behaviour."

The BBC has reported a source saying Mr Zahawi left the event early “because he felt it was a bizarre and uncomfortable event”.

He has also given a statement to ITV News, saying: "I did attend and left early. David Walliams was hosting.

“I didn't stay long enough to really comment on the occasion."

The event has raised £20 million for children's charities over 32 years, including Great Ormond Street Hospital and Evelina Children's Hospital.

Items at Thursday's auction reportedly included lunch with Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, a trip to the Windmill strip club in Soho and plastic surgery "to spice up your wife".

Leading figures in business, politics and finance attended the event hosted by comedian and children's author David Walliams, who is not the subject of any allegations.

Organisers have vowed to investigate claims of "bad behaviour", which included guests groping women, inviting them up to bedrooms and one diner indecently exposing himself.

A spokesman said: "The Presidents Club recently hosted its annual dinner, raising several million pounds for disadvantaged children.

"The organisers are appalled by the allegations of bad behaviour at the event asserted by the Financial Times reporters.

"Such behaviour is totally unacceptable. The allegations will be investigated fully and promptly and appropriate action taken."