MP Julian Knight to stand down at next election and not seek return of Tory whip

Solihull MP says ‘malicious’ sexual assault accusation has damaged his health and caused pain to loved ones

The MP Julian Knight has said he will not seek to have the Conservative whip restored or stand at the next general election for any other party after he was subject to a “malicious” sexual assault accusation.

Scotland Yard received an allegation of serious sexual assault on 28 October last year, and on 7 December a further referral relating to the alleged incident was made, prompting an investigation into Knight. No details of the allegation were released at the time.