A SENIOR Tory MP formerly investigated over sexual assault allegations today announced he’ll stand down at the next general election.
In a statement on Twitter, Julian Knight claimed a “false and malicious accusation” left him with no choice but to end his political career early.
Julian Knight will stand down as the MP for Solihull at the next general election
The MP for Solihull, who’s had the Tory whip removed, said: “The past year has been for my wife and I the worst of our lives.
“I have reluctantly come to the conclusion that no job or political career is worth this.
“I will not be requesting the return of the Conservative whip. I do this in sorrow and not in anger.”
Last month the Met dropped its investigation into sexual assault allegations against Mr Knight.
But the Tory Whips refused to give the whip back.
A spokesman for Chief Whip Simon Hart said further complaints had been made against him, which might be forwarded on to the police.
They said: “Following further complaints made to the Whips Office, we will not be restoring the Whip to Julian Knight. These complaints, if appropriate, will be referred to the relevant police force, or appropriate bodies.”
Mr Knight said the latest twist and turn “smacks of desperate attempts to cover up the identities and motives”.
He said the cops didn’t even interview him over he allegations – and accused them of a “witch hunt”.
Today the MP, who formerly chaired the Commons Culture Committee, claimed the cop probe damaged his mental and physical health.
He added that the news was also causing “pain and distress to my loved ones”.
“When the police finally exonerated me, without ever needing to interview me, I believed the nightmare was over,” Mr Knight said.
“It seemed that justice, although delayed, had prevailed. However, the whips office immediately made a statement about unspecified further complaints which, tarnished my name and left my family and me in limbo.”
The senior Tory vowed to continue work as an independent MP until a general election is called, which is expected to be in Autumn next year.
