Bassetlaw: MP Patrick Mercer resigns as party whip over lobbying scandal

Mr Mercer said he had resigned the Tory whip and would not be standing at the next general election to ‘save my party embarrassment’ over a BBC Panorama programme alleging he had broken lobbying rules.

It has also been reported that Mr Mercer has been caught up in a newspaper sting.

Mr Mercer said in a statement: “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.”

“In the meantime, to save my Party embarrassment, I have resigned the Conservative Whip and have so informed Sir George Young.”

“I have also decided not to stand at the next General Election.”

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