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A Tory MP has today been charged with three counts of sexual assault.

Charlie Elphicke will appear before magistrates on September 6 accused of offences against two women, nine years apart.

The first alleged offence against the first woman is said to have taken place in 2007. Two further offences against a second woman are alleged to have taken place in 2016.

The 48-year-old MP for Dover - who strenuously denies any wrongdoing- was questioned by police last year.

He previously had the Tory whip suspended, but it was restored in December just before a no confidence vote in Theresa May.

Today a senior Tory source confirmed the MP has had the whip suspended again.

Although he would likely vote with the Tories anyway, the MP's suspension from the whip cuts the new Prime Minister's working majority from four to just three.

That will be reduced further to two if the Conservatives lose the Brecon and Radnorshire by-election next month.

(Image: Getty)

A CPS spokesman said today: “The Crown Prosecution Service has today (Monday 22 July) charged Charles Elphicke, MP for Dover, with three charges of sexual assault against two women.

“The CPS made the decision to charge Mr Elphicke after reviewing a file of evidence from the Metropolitan Police.

“The CPS reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against Mr Elphicke are now active and that he has a right to a fair trial.

"It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "Charlie Elphicke, 49, Member of Parliament for Dover and Deal, was charged on Monday, 22 July 2019 with three counts of sexual assault.

"Two of the charges relate to one female complainant, and one charge relates to a second woman.

"Mr Elphicke is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 6 September 2019."

(Image: PA)

In a statement Elphicke's solicitor Ellen Peart, of law firm BCL, said: "Charlie Elphicke has said from the outset that he denies any wrongdoing. He will defend himself vigorously and is confident that he will clear his name.

"Meanwhile Charlie would like to thank everyone for their continued support of him and his family.

"There will be no further comment at this stage."

Elphicke’s Constituency Association chairman, Keith Single, said the MP has had "our full support" and "that support will continue".

He added: "Basic British values require that everyone remains innocent until proven otherwise."

Mr Elphicke was elected an MP for the Kent seat in 2010.

The former tax lawyer and married dad-of-two worked as Head of European Tax at law firm Hunton and Williams before entering Parliament.