Full Breakdown
Conservative MP Patrick Spencer Acquitted of Sexual Assault
7/18/2026, 12:19:53 AM
Trial Verdict and Immediate Aftermath
Patrick Spencer, the Conservative MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, was found not guilty of two counts of sexual assault after a trial at Southwark Crown Court. The charges stemmed from alleged incidents in August 2023 at London’s Groucho Club, where he was accused of placing his hands on the breasts of two women. An eight-man, four-woman jury deliberated for seven hours and six minutes before delivering the not-guilty verdict. Spencer fell to his knees in the dock and was seen sobbing as the decision was read. He told reporters the verdict ended “a very long and challenging period in my life.”
Political Context and Party Response
Spencer was elected in July 2024. Following his arrest, the Conservative Party removed the whip in 2025, causing him to sit as an Independent MP. After the acquittal, the party announced that it had restored the whip and lifted his suspension, allowing him to rejoin the parliamentary Conservative group.
Official Statements & Responses
The Conservative Party’s statement emphasized that the whip removal was a procedural response to the charges and that the restoration reflects the court’s finding of no guilt. Spencer’s post-verdict remarks thanked the jury, court, legal team, and his family for their support and indicated his intention to resume constituency work. No additional official commentary from the Crown Prosecution Service or the alleged victims was provided in the source material.
Verbatim Quotes
- “always maintained my innocence” — Patrick Spencer, MP
- “a very long and challenging period in my life to a close” — Patrick Spencer, MP
- “I would like to thank the jury, the court, my legal team and most importantly, my incredible wife, children, family, friends and colleagues - whose support has been unwavering throughout,” — Patrick Spencer, MP
- “For the time being, I'm looking forward to getting home to see my kids and getting back to work representing my constituents,” — Patrick Spencer, MP
