Mel B hits out at Tory MP Conor Burns as he’s sacked over ‘sexual misconduct’ claims
Conor Burns (L) has been accused of “sexual misconduct”. (Parliamentary Portrait/Getty)
Mel B has hit out at Tory MP Conor Burns, who has been sacked after he was accused of “sexual misconduct”.
The trade minister was asked to leave government “with immediate effect” on Friday (7 October) after an unspecified “allegation” came to light.
According to The Telegraph, he was sacked after being accused of making “inappropriate remarks and actions” towards a younger man at the Conservative Party conference.
The complaint was reportedly made by a third party who witnessed the events rather than the alleged victim himself, it is understood.
Burns denies any wrongdoing and has said he looks forward to clearing his name.
In a series of tweets, Burns said he was “not given any information about the complaint” when he received a call from chief whip Wendy Morton.
“On the basis of this complaint Ms Morton told me that the whip was being withdrawn and that I was standing down as trade minister,” Burns said.
“I will fully cooperate with the party’s enquiry and look forward to clearing my name.
“I hope the party will be as quick to conduct their enquiry as they were to rush to judgement.”
Spice Girls singer Mel B waded into the Conor Burns fallout
In a surprising turn of events, Spice Girls singer Mel B – who gave a speech about domestic abuse reform at the conference – waded into the row.
Mel B quoted Burns’ tweet, adding: “Really?? Your [sic] shocked about this complaint??? Let me remind you what you said me [sic] in lift….”
Really?? Your shocked about this complaint??? Let me remind you what you said me in lift….. https://t.co/IaFuUrzzqL
— Melanie Janine Brown MBE (@OfficialMelB) October 7, 2022
The singer did not reveal what Burns allegedly said to her in the elevator.
The controversy surrounding Burns is just the latest scandal for the Conservative Party – it comes just months after allegations of groping against Chris Pincher resulted in Boris Johnson’s downfall.
It is understood that Liz Truss took action against Burns within hours of the allegations surfacing.
“Following a complaint of serious misconduct, the prime minister has asked Conor Burns MP to leave the government with immediate effect,” a No 10 spokesperson said.
“The prime minister took direct action on being informed of this allegation and is clear that all ministers should maintain the high standards of behaviour – as the public rightly expects.”
PinkNews has contacted Conor Burns for comment.
