Patrick Spencer, 37, accused of sexually assaulting victims at celebrity haunt where Harry Styles and Stephen Fry are members
A Conservative MP has pleaded not guilty to sexually assaulting two women at London’s famous Groucho private members’ club, where he allegedly groped their breasts over their clothing without consent.
Patrick Spencer, 37, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today where he formally denied two counts of sexual assault alleged to have taken place at the exclusive Soho venue in August 2023.
The MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich confirmed his full name – Michael Patrick Spencer – and date of birth before entering not guilty pleas to both charges.
Allegations of Breast Groping
Prosecutor Polly Dyer told the court that the first complainant “felt Mr Spencer put his arms under her arms” before he “cupped her breasts over the clothing.
Of the second complainant, the prosecutor alleged “he moved behind her and also cupped her breasts with his hands over clothing.
Ms Dyer added that neither woman consented to the alleged touching.
The court heard a complaint was made to the Groucho Club and a report was subsequently made to the police, with Spencer interviewed by officers earlier this year after attending a voluntary interview at a London police station on March 13.
Celebrity Hotspot Under Scrutiny
The Groucho Club, a legendary media haunt in Dean Street, Soho, has been a magnet for celebrities and high-profile figures for decades. Current or previous members said to include Harry Styles, Noel Gallagher and Stephen Fry.
The exclusive venue has faced scrutiny recently following separate allegations. The club’s licence was temporarily suspended after an alleged rape on November 13, 2023 – an incident unrelated to Spencer’s case. A 34-year-old man from Hertfordshire was arrested in connection with that investigation.
The club’s first female chief executive, Elli Jafari, resigned just before Christmas following the November incident. The Iranian-born executive had only joined the exclusive Soho club from the Standard Hotel in May.
Since 2022, The Groucho has been majority-owned by Artfarm, a hospitality company run by Iwan and Manuela Wirth, the husband-and-wife duo behind the mega gallery Hauser & Wirth.
Political Career in Tatters
Spencer, who was not an MP at the time of the alleged attacks, was elected to Parliament last year with a majority of 4,290. His political career now hangs in the balance following the charges.
The Conservative Party acted swiftly after the charges were brought, with a spokesman confirming: “Patrick Spencer MP has been suspended from the Conservative Party, and the whip withdrawn, with immediate effect.
The party added: “The Conservative Party believes in integrity and high standards. We have taken immediate action.”
Under changes approved by the Commons last year, MPs face being barred from attending Parliament if they are arrested for serious sexual or violent offences. A risk assessment panel appointed by Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle considers cases and can decide on measures including exclusion from the Parliamentary estate.
Privileged Background
Before becoming an MP, Spencer worked in finance for private equity firm IPGL, which is chaired by his father, billionaire Conservative peer Lord Michael Spencer.
Lord Spencer was Tory treasurer between 2006 and 2007, having donated millions of pounds to the party, and was awarded a peerage by Boris Johnson in 2020.
Patrick Spencer also worked for the Centre for Social Justice think tank before becoming a senior adviser at the Department for Education.
In an ironic twist, he made his maiden speech in the Commons in July last year during a debate on the MPs’ code of conduct relating to second jobs, during which he said the “most important thing to the people across my constituency” was “restoring a sense of moral probity and public spiritedness to our political system.
‘Categorically Denies’ Charges
Spencer’s lawyers have maintained his innocence throughout, saying he “categorically denies the charges” against him.
He has co-operated fully with the police investigation from the moment he became aware of it and he will defend the allegations robustly in court”, they added in a statement.
The MP made an application to have his home address withheld from the court, which Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring granted.
CPS Warning on Fair Trial
Frank Ferguson, head of the CPS special crime and counter terrorism division, emphasised the importance of protecting the integrity of the legal proceedings.
Following a review of the evidence provided by the Metropolitan Police Service, we have authorised two counts of sexual assault against Patrick Spencer MP”, he said.
He added: “The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against this defendant are now active and that he has the right to a fair trial”.
“It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings”.
Next Court Date
Spencer was released on bail and is due to appear at Southwark Crown Court on July 14, where the case will continue.
The allegations relate to two separate women who were allegedly assaulted at the exclusive members’ club in August 2023, before Spencer entered Parliament.
If convicted, Spencer faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for sexual assault, though sentencing guidelines typically result in lower penalties depending on the specific circumstances of the case.
Image credit:
Patrick Spencer by Loyola University Maryland, licensed under CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
