Honiton’s MP issues an apology for the ‘upset’ he has caused but refuses to resign

Neil Parish, the MP for Honiton and Tiverton, was suspended from the Conservative Party on Friday after he referred himself to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards.

It follows days of speculation over the identity of the MP that was witnessed watching pornography in the House of Commons.

Two female Conservative MPs said they witnessed Mr Parish, 65, watching pornography on his mobile phone on two different occasions - once in the Commons chamber and another at a committee meeting.

On Friday, Mr Parish said that he opened the file in error, but that if the inquiry found him guilty, he would offer his resignation.

A statement on Mr Parish's website says: "Following recent allegations regarding an MP's use of their mobile phone in Parliament, I have referred myself to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards in the House of Commons.

"I will be cooperating fully with any investigation, and whilst it is ongoing, I will continue to perform my duties as MP for Tiverton and Honiton.

"I will not be making further comments at this stage."

Several female MPs have called for his immediate resignation or dismissal. Daisy Cooper, Liberal Democrat deputy leader, said his behaviour would constitute 'gross misconduct' and lead to immediate dismissal in any other workplace.

Labour MP Harriet Harman, the longest serving female MP, described the situation as a 'new low' for Parliament. 

In a statement released on Friday evening, Cllr Bonetta, member of Honiton Town Council and Leader of the East Devon Labour Group, described Mr Parish's alleged actions as 'harmful to democracy'.

Neil Parish has been the MP for Honiton and Tiverton since 2010. He also chairs the Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee.