Boris Johnson’s deputy chief whip has resigned over an allegation of “groping”, Sky News understands.
Chris Pincher said he had drunk “far too much” and “embarrassing myself and other people” on a night out.
The Conservative MP for Tamworth wrote to the prime minister to explain his decision to stand down.
He said in his letter: “Last night I drank far too much.
“I’ve embarrassed myself and other people which is the last thing I want to do and for that I apologise to you and to those concerned.
“I think the right thing to do in the circumstances is for me to resign as deputy chief whip. I owe it to you and the people I’ve caused upset to, to do this.”
Mr Pincher added: “I want to assure you that you will continue to have my full support from the back benches, and I wish you all the best as you deal with aftershocks of COVID and the challenges of international inflation.
“It has been the honour of my life to have served in Her Majesty’s Government.”