Patrick Spencer, the Conservative MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, has been acquitted of sexually assaulting two women at the Groucho Club in central London. Spencer was charged following an incident in August 2023, nearly a year before his election to Parliament.
The incident occurred at the private members' club when Spencer approached two women from behind and put his arms around them. Video footage captured the encounter. Spencer testified that he intended only to give the women a hug and that his actions were not unwanted. The court accepted his account.
The acquittal removes a potential political liability for the Conservative Party. Spencer's election to his seat came shortly after the alleged incident, meaning questions about his conduct could have complicated his standing in Parliament. His legal victory now allows him to continue his parliamentary duties without the cloud of pending charges.
The case highlights the contentious nature of consent claims in physical contact cases. Prosecutors argued the touching was unwanted and constituted sexual assault. Spencer's defense maintained the contact was friendly and non-sexual. The jury sided with Spencer's version of events.
The timing of the incident relative to Spencer's election suggests voters in Central Suffolk and North Ipswich either were unaware of the allegations or determined they did not disqualify him from office. The acquittal means no criminal conviction will appear on his record.
Spencer's case reflects broader debates within Parliament about conduct standards and accountability. The Conservative Party has faced repeated scrutiny over sexual misconduct allegations against members in recent years, including those involving former MPs Chris Pincher and others. Spencer's acquittal differs from cases resulting in convictions, but it nonetheless drew public attention to questions of behavior at exclusive London venues and within political circles.
Spencer can now return to his parliamentary work without legal proceedings. The verdict concludes the matter legally, though the incident remains part of his public record.