COLCHESTER’S MP has stood behind Prime Minister Boris Johnson again - this time over the scandal surround former deputy chief whip Chris Pincher.

Will Quince said he is "appalled" by the allegations made against Tamworth MP Mr Pincher but added "it’s a “matter for Parliament” to deal with.

He declined to say if Mr Pincher, who has been accused of sexual misconduct, should resign his seat if the allegations against him are proven.

At least six claims of inappropriate behaviour by the former deputy chief whip have been made, with the Conservative MP having since been suspended from the party.

Mr Pincher says he is seeking professional medical support and has no intention of resigning his seat.

Questions have been asked as to why Mr Johnson gave Mr Pincher the job as deputy chief whip, as rumours circulate over whether Mr Johnson was already aware of allegations against his counterpart.

Gazette: Probe - Chris PincherProbe - Chris Pincher

Junior Minister Mr Quince told Sky News he had spoken to No 10 to seek assurances on the matter and insisted the Prime Minister was unaware of any specific allegations.

“I have been given categorical assurance that the Prime Minister was not aware of any serious specific allegation with regards to the former deputy chief whip,” said Mr Quince.

He continued: “I think these cases are hard because, like any professional organisation, you can’t act on rumour or gossip.

“As you know, in Westminster there is a lot of rumour or gossip.

Gazette: Opinion - Will QuinceOpinion - Will Quince

“It’s why it’s also so important that when people do witness something which is clearly appalling, well below the standard behaviour we should rightly expect from members of Parliament and those who work on the Parliamentary estate that it’s reported, we encourage everybody to come forward.”

Outspoken TV host Piers Morgan criticised the Government for “wheeling out” Mr Quince to defend itself in a comical Tweet following his appearance on Monday morning.

Mr Morgan issued the bemused Tweet questioning “who is” Colchester MP Will Quince to his 7.9 million Twitter followers.

He Tweeted: “Things are now so bad for this sleaze-ravaged Government that they’re reduced to wheeling out people I’ve literally never heard of to defend it.

“Who IS this guy?”.

Mr Pincher has denied the allegations made against him.