Ross Thomson, MP for Aberdeen South, denied the sexual harassment allegations made against him

Allegations of sexual harassment by a Scottish Conservative MP in a Commons bar have been referred to Westminster’s standards commissioner in a step that could potentially lead to him being sacked.

The complaint against Ross Thomson, MP for Aberdeen South, has been made by an SNP researcher who was part of a group of seven party staff and guests having a birthday drink in the Strangers’ Bar on Tuesday night.

Thomson was spoken to by police on Tuesday night after a report of “sexual touching”. He has firmly denied the allegations and referred himself to a Tory disciplinary panel.

One of those present told The Sunday Times that a male guest in the group was subjected to “unwanted touching and unwarranted attention” by the MP.