LONDON mayoral hopeful Daniel Korski today said he “categorically denies” groping a TV writer – and refused to quit the race to City Hall.
Last night Daisy Goodwin, the creator of ITV hit drama Victoria, said Mr Korski, 46, touched her breast in 2013.
Daniel Korski has been accused of groping a TV writer
The creator of ITV hit drama Victoria, Daisy Goodwin, said he touched her breast in 2013
During a visit to No10, Ms Goodwin, 61, was allegedly assaulted in the famous Margaret Thatcher study – something Mr Korski denies.
Writing in the The Times, Ms Goodwin said: “When we both stood up at the end of the meeting and went to the door, the spad stepped towards me and suddenly put his hand on my breast.
“Astonished, I said loudly, ‘Are you really touching my breast?’ The spad sprang away from me and I left.”
Today Mr Korski refused to quit the race to be the Conservative’s candidate for London mayor.
He argued he’s “always been committed to fostering an environment where everyone feels valued, heard and supported”.
Mr Korski said: “Politics can be a rough and challenging business.
“Unfortunately, in the midst of this demanding environment, this baseless allegation from the past has resurfaced.
“It is disheartening to find myself connected to this allegation after so many years, but I want to unequivocally state that I categorically deny any claim of inappropriate behaviour.
“I denied it when it was alluded to seven years ago and I do so now. “
Ms Goodwin previously spoke out about her alleged suffering – but didn’t name Mr Korski until yesterday.
She explained she had now decided to name him after learning he was running to be the capital’s mayor.
Ms Goodwin added: “Part of Korski’s campaign is that he wants to make London safer for women. This strikes me as the ultimate irony.
“While I am not suggesting he is in the same league as the man who raped and murdered Sarah Everard, it makes me queasy to think that the man who clearly got a thrill out of groping me under a portrait of Mrs Thatcher, should be someone who can be relied on to make judgement calls about how to protect the opposite sex.
“I am not saying that every politician has to be a saint, but I wouldn’t put an arsonist in charge of the Fire Brigade.
“What concerns me — and is another reason I am writing this — is that I suspect other people in positions of power and influence know Korski is capable of this kind of behaviour and yet have still decided to back him.”
Mr Korski added: “I know that simply denying such allegations may not be enough to alleviate the concerns and doubts that might arise in your minds.
“I firmly believe in the importance of empathy, respect and the wellbeing of every individual within society.
“I am grateful for each and every one of you for your continued support.”
The Conservative Party isn’t currently investigating Mr Korski as no formal complaint has been submitted.
A spokesperson said: “The Conservative Party has an established Code of Conduct and formal processes where complaints can be made in confidence.
“The Party considers all complaints made under the Code of Conduct but does not conduct investigations where the Party would not be considered to have primary jurisdiction over another authority.”
It’s reported Mr Korski was forced to leave a Tory hustings mid-debate after the claims broke on Monday night.
Ms Goodwin began her career at the BBC making arts documentaries.
She then joined production company Talkback and helped make hit show Grand Designs.
In 2012, Ms Goodwin began focusing on writing, producing TV series Victoria, and many best-selling novels.
