Tory MP Patrick Mercer quits ‘to save party embarrassment’

The former shadow counter-terrorism minister said he had resigned the Tory whip and would not be standing in 2015 to “save my party embarrassment” over a BBC Panorama programme which claims he broke lobbying rules.

In a statement he said: “Panorama are planning to broadcast a programme alleging that I have broken parliamentary rules.

I am taking legal advice about these allegations – and I have referred myself to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards.

“I am taking legal advice about these allegations – and I have referred myself to the parliamentary commissioner for standards.”

There are longstanding tensions between the backbencher and David Cameron. In 2007, Mr Mercer quit his frontbench role after telling the Times newspaper he had met a lot of “idle and useless” ethnic minority soldiers. He later said he deeply regretted the comments.

Lobbying

A BBC spokesman said: “Panorama has been investigating lobbying and the conduct of MPs and members of the House of Lords. The programme is still being made and will be broadcast as soon as possible.

“The investigation has raised a number of issues related to those involved. Panorama has sought responses from a number of people including Mr Mercer.”

The programme appears to be examining Mr Mercer’s links with Fiji.

‘Done the right thing’

A Conservative party spokesman said: “The prime minister is aware. He thinks Patrick Mercer has done the right thing in referring himself to the parliamentary commissioner for standards and resigning the whip.”

Councillors in Mr Mercer’s constituency, where he has a 16,000 majority, said they were shocked at the news of his resignation.

Peter Duncan said: “I always thought of him as a very solid citizen. If this news is true then I am shocked. I thought he was a very strong individual with a strong point of view. He will be missed.”