Anger over new ministerial job for MP accused of asking if alleged Pincher victim was gay

Senior Tories hit out at disgraceful' promotion of Sarah Dines, who has been fiercely criticised for her handling of groping claims

Anger is growing among senior Conservatives over the promotion of an MP criticised for her alleged handling of groping claims made against the former deputy chief whip, Chris Pincher.

One senior Tory said the appointment of Sarah Dines as a justice and home office minister was an absolutely disgraceful decision". Dines, who had been an assistant whip, has been accused by one of Pincher's alleged victims of asking him if he was gay. According to an account from one of the complainants, she is alleged to have said the fact he was gay doesn't make it straightforward".