- Meridian
- 4 updates
MP resigns Lib Dem party whip
One of the South's MPs, Mike Hancock - who represents Portsmouth South - has resigned his party whip while he fights allegations of sexual assault. The politician denies the allegations.
Live updates
- Phil Hornby
Portsmouth Lib Dem MP Hancock now an independent
The people of Portsmouth South now have an independent MP. Mike Hancock resigned from the Liberal Democrat parliamentary party last night, after a special disciplinary hearing.
The MP said he was stepping down temporarily while he defended a High Court action against him. But as our political correspondent Phil Hornby reports, it is thought that Mr Hancock jumped - before he was pushed.
Mike Hancock resigning the Liberal Democrat whip
In a statement released through the party Liberal Democrat MP Mike Hancock has said he is withdrawing from the party whip:
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Disciplinary meeting for MP has finished
A disciplinary meeting at which the Liberal Democrats have been questioning Portsmouth South MP Mike Hancock has finished. The hearing concerned allegations that the Hampshire politician had an inappropriate relationship with a female constituent.
The 66-year-old denies the allegations. The meeting is finished, but the Liberal Democrats say they are not releasing any further details at this stage.
Hancock may face action by Lib Dems
One of the South's MPs faces losing the party whip over allegations of sexual assault. Portsmouth South's Mike Hancock strenuously denies them but will face the Lib Dem leader today at a disciplinary meeting. Nick Clegg has admitted his party is considering suspending Mr Hancock.