Daniel Korski latest: Tory London mayoral hopeful drops out of race after groping claims

The Tory London mayoral candidate who allegedly groped a TV producer has pulled out of the contest.

Screenwriter and novelist Daisy Goodwin claims that Daniel Korski groped her breast after a meeting at Downing Street more than a decade ago.

Ms Goodwin has filed a formal complaint against Mr Korski and said she has “been contacted by other women with some very interesting stories”. Mr Korski has “categorically” denied Ms Goodwin’s claims.

In a statement, Mr Korski said: “I have decided, with a heavy heart, to withdraw from the Conservative mayoral contest.

“I categorically deny the allegation against me. Nothing was ever put to me formally ten years ago. Nor seven years ago when the allegation was alluded to. No investigation has ever taken place. I have been clear I would welcome and constructively participate in any investigation.

“However, the pressure on my family because of this false and unproven allegation, and the inability to get a hearing for my message of ‘The London Dream’, makes it impossible for my campaign to carry on.”

In reponse to the announcement, Ms Goodwin said is “glad” that Mr Korski has withdrawn from the race to be the Tory candidate for the London mayoralty.

Key Points

• Tory London mayoral contender Korski withdraws from contest

• Sunak encourages other accusers to come forward after groping claims against Tory mayoral candidate

• Daisy Goodwin gives verdict on Daniel Korski’s denial

• Daniel Korski ‘categorically denies any wrongdoing whatsoever'

• Tory mayoral hopeful claims party officials were aware of allegations

• Screenwriter suggests ex-Cameron aide could face further claims

09:57 , Andy Gregory

Good morning, we’ll be using this blog to provide live updates on the latest developments, after Tory London mayoral hopeful Daniel Korski “categorically” denied groping allegations by screenwriter Daisy Goodwin.

Tory party facing growing pressure to investigate allegations

10:02 , Andy Gregory

The Conservative Party is facing growing pressure to investigate allegations a London mayoral hopeful groped a TV producer’s breast in Downing Street.

The party initially said it would not look into claims Daniel Korski sexually assaulted Daisy Goodwin because it had not received a formal complaint. But on Tuesday evening Ms Goodwin said she had contacted the Cabinet Office to do just that.

Labour has called for Mr Korski to be suspended from the party and urged the Tories to launch a “thorough investigation”.

Our Whitehall editor Kate Devlin and political correspondent Archie Mitchell have more in this report:

Tory party ‘knew about groping claims against London mayoral hopeful Daniel Korski’

Daniel Korski claims Tory party officials knew about allegations

10:06 , Andy Gregory

In an extraordinary development last night, Daniel Korski claimed Tory party bosses knew about the allegations, which he denies, long before they were revealed by Daisy Goodwin in The Times on Monday.

Mr Korski told TalkTV that he disclosed them during the mayoral race vetting process after he was asked if there were any “outstanding issues” the party should be aware of.

“And I said to the party ‘seven years ago, there was a story. I was never named in the story. As far as I know, there was no investigation.’ But I did mention this to the party,” he said.

Mr Korski insisted he was still standing to become the Tory mayoral candidate, adding: “All I can say is that she is wrong”.

Daniel Korski ‘categorically’ denies groping claim

10:08 , Andy Gregory

Daniel Korski has “categorically” denied any wrongdoing.

In a statement on Twitter, the London mayoral hopeful said: “Politics can be a rough and challenging business. Unfortunately, in the midst of this demanding environment, this baseless allegation from the past has resurfaced.

“It is disheartening to find myself connected to this allegation after so many years, but I want to unequivocally state that I categorically deny any claim of inappropriate behaviour. I denied when it was alluded to 7 years [ago] and I do so now.”

Daisy Goodwin responds to Daniel Korski’s ‘categorical’ denial

10:17 , Andy Gregory

Daisy Goodwin has now responded to Tory London mayoral hopeful Daniel Korski’s “categorical” denials to her allegations that he had groped her breast after a meeting in Downing Street a decade ago.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme after submitting a formal complaint on Tuesday evening, without which the Tory party initially refused to investigate, Ms Goodwin said: “I could say: ‘he would say that, wouldn’t he?’

“If he had come forward and said, ‘oh, I’m really sorry, something like this, I might have inadvertently touched her’, that would be a different story. But the fact that he’s categorically denied it is, to me, bizarre.”

Ms Goodwin added: “That’s what tends to happen in these situations. I think people have to decide who they choose to believe. There is no reason why I would come forward with this happening to me 10 years ago. I was shocked by it. I can’t say that I’m a victim, but I was shocked by it.”

Daisy Goodwin reveals more women have come forward after Daniel Korski groping allegations

10:19 , Andy Gregory

Daisy Goodwin has suggested Daniel Korski may face further allegations of misconduct after she accused the mayoral hopeful of groping her.

The screenwriter and TV producer said she has “been contacted by other women with some very interesting stories” since alleging Mr Korski sexually assaulted her in Downing Street.

Ms Goodwin said she cannot discuss the stories about Mr Korski “for legal reasons”, but said they made her feel “entirely justified” for naming him.

Our political correspondent Archie Mitchell has more in this report:

Daniel Korski ‘welcomes any investigation’ and ‘will cooperate fully’, says his campaign

10:20 , Andy Gregory

Daniel Korski’s campaign has issued another denial this morning following Daisy Goodwin’s latest remarks to the Today programme, which you can see in the posts below.

A campaign spokesperson said: “In the strongest possible terms, Dan categorically denies any allegation of inappropriate behaviour whatsoever.”

“He welcomes any investigation and will cooperate fully.”

Government minister ‘pauses’ support for Korski’s campaign

10:38 , Andy Gregory

Education minister Claire Coutinho says she has “paused” support for Daniel Korski’s bid to be London mayor, calling Daisy Goodwin’s allegation against him “very serious and concerning” and stating that “if there is a complaint in the system, it needs to be followed up swiftly”.

Ms Coutinho, who had previously praised Mr Korski’s “clear vision for London”, told Sky News: “I would say I’d be on pause at the moment because lots of things are happening.”

Asked to confirm she has suspended her support, she said: “Yes, because I think we need to see what’s happened. But, at the same time, this is an allegation. He’s roundly denied it.

“If there is a complaint in the system, it needs to be followed up swiftly so we can find the facts and see what’s happened, but I do think it’s a very serious and concerning allegation.”

Daisy Goodwin says she is ‘certain’ over allegation

10:49 , Andy Gregory

Asked by Martha Kearney on BBC Radio 4 whether there could there have been any ambiguity about the 10-year-old allegation, Daisy Goodwin said: “I’m really surprised you’re asking me that, Martha.

“Yes it happened to me 10 years ago, but when something like this happens to you, you know that it’s happened to you because you were there, you felt it. You felt amazed, shocked and rather humiliated. To ask me if I’m certain is to ask me if I’m making it up. That’s not the case.”

As Ms Kearney responded that the reason for her question was because of Mr Korski’s “categorical” denials, Ms Goodwin added: “Well, I could say: ‘he would say that, wouldn’t he?’

“If he had come forward and said, ‘oh, I’m really sorry, something like this, I might have inadvertently touched her’, that would be a different story. But the fact that he’s categorically denied it is, to me, bizarre.”

Journalist ‘not surprised’ Daisy Goodwin found it hard to complain

11:09 , Andy Gregory

Our political correspondent Archie Mitchell reports:

The journalist who shamed a Tory MP for calling her “totty” has thrown her weight behind Daisy Goodwin, describing her decision to name Mr Korski as “very brave”.

Isabel Hardman, who reported the Tory MP’s “sexist” remark to the whips at the time, said women complaining are not taken seriously.

And Ms Hardman said that when Ms Goodwin wrote in 2017 about being groped in Downing Street – without naming Mr Korski – her cleavage was “miraculously” pictured “all over the newspapers”.

“The suggestion was by having a certain size chest, she might have been asking for this,” Ms Hardman said. She told The BBC’s Woman's Hour: “That's the kind of treatment she knew she was going to get if she raised it again. So it's very brave of her to do so.”

She added that she was “not surprised” Ms Goodwin had found it difficult to complain, as victims face a “confusing mix of departments and individuals”, adding: “What it shows is there is a reluctance to encourage complaints and deal with them in a timely fashion.”

Ms Hardman raised her own complaint after meeting a Tory MP who said to her: “I want to talk to the totty.”

And she said reporting it led to an “endless debate” about whether being called “totty” was a compliment, while pictures of her body were used in the media to “suggest I was asking to be called totty”.

“I don’t think I would do it again, because it was a complete pain the amount of attention it got,” she said.

Daisy Goodwin could also lodge complaint with Tory party

11:25 , Andy Gregory

Appearing on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme earlier, Daisy Goodwin did not rule out making a complaint to Conservative party headquarters.

She said: “I assume that because this happened in Downing Street that I should complain to them, but I’m happy to complain to the Conservative Party as well.”

Watch: Daniel Korski breaks silence on groping allegations

11:40 , Andy Gregory

Watch live: Rishi Sunak faces PMQs as Tory mayoral hopeful Daniel Korski accused of groping TV producer

11:53 , Andy Gregory

PMQs is now unde way. You can watch Rishi Sunak face questioning live with The Independent, as questions hang over his response to groping allegations against Tory London mayoral hopeful Daniel Korski:

Rishi Sunak has ‘given up’, claims Keir Starmer

12:18 , Andy Gregory

You can tell by Rishi Sunak’s body language that he has “given up”, Sir Keir Starmer claimed, as the pair clashed at PMQs over housebuilding targets.

Claiming that a host of shadow ministers were “all against more housebuilding in their areas”, the prime minister hit back at the Labour leader as he jibed: “They don’t have to worry too much, because he’s never actually kept a promise he’s made.”

Sir Keir retorted: “You can tell from his answer – not answer, his body language – he’s actually given up. And his failure isn’t just shattering the dream of those who desperately want to own their own home. It’s also hitting those who actually have a mortgage.”

“How can they ever look the British people in the eye again and claim to be the party of home ownership,” he continued, waiting until Mr Sunak’s response had finished to add: “At least he isn’t claming they are the party of home ownership any more, because we are”, again exclaiming: “He’s just given up.”

Starmer accuses Sunak of ‘softly, softly’ approach to mortgage ‘timebomb'

12:27 , Andy Gregory

Sir Keir Starmer has accused Rishi Sunak of taking a “softly, softly” approach to the “Tory mortgages bombshell” by “gently asking the banks to do the right thing”, as he ridiculed the prime minister’s claim to be “100 per cent on it”.

Accusing Sir Keir of “scaring” people, Mr Sunak claimed the “practical support” in the new “mortgages charter” announced this week following talks with lenders would “save people hundreds of pounds a month”.

The Labour leader retorted: “It’s ‘housing crisis, what crisis?’ with this prime minister”, adding: “He must be the only person in the country who thinks that enough houses have being built in the last 13 years.”

Stephen Flynn calls Sunak 'near billionaire' and asks when he last struggled to pay a bill

12:28 , Andy Gregory

Starmer quizzes Sunak over 300,000 new homes target

12:30 , Andy Gregory

During the fiery PMQs clash over housebuilding, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer questioned whether Rishi Sunak will “actually hit his target of 300,000 new homes a year”.

The Labour leader told the Commons: “Can he point to a single person in housing, in construction, anywhere who thinks he’ll actually hit his target of 300,000 new homes a year, anyone?”

The prime minister replied: “The record is that in the last three years we’ve delivered almost record numbers of new home building in every one of those years. He talks about targets, so let’s be clear, I promised to put local people in control of new housing, I delivered on that policy within weeks of becoming prime minister.

“But I am confused… because first the shadow community and housing secretary said communities should have control, but he then said we should get the targets back and disempower local people?

“I do want to give him some advice, I don’t think it’s local people that are the problem, it’s the Labour Party policy.”

Rishi Sunak ‘literally worst person’ to lead UK through cost of living crisis, says Chris Bryant

12:42 , Andy Gregory

Rishi Sunak is “literally the worst person” to be leading the country through the cost of living crisis, Labour MP Chris Bryant has said.

“The prime minister has had responsibility for the UK economy now for 1,323 days and he’s delivered,” began the Labour MP.

“He’s delivered the largest national peacetime debt ever, the largest tax burden since the Second World War, the highest core inflation since 1991, the fastest interest rate rises since 1989 and the biggest fall in living standards in our history.

“So will he stop lecturing my constituents about ‘holding their nerve’, ditch the lame excuses, and admit that he is literally the worst person to be leading this country through a cost of living crisis?”

Tories mocked over ‘0 days since last incident’ graphic

12:57 , Andy Gregory

Our political correspondent Archie Mitchell reports:

The Labour Party has mocked the Conservatives over a “0 days since last incident” social media graphic.

Tory HQ had accused Labour of “flip-flopping” by scrapping a pledge to bring in rent controls. Its Twitter account posted the graphic under an Independent article.

But social media users quickly linked the “0 days since last incident” claim to the Conservative Party, which is currently grappling with the fallout from a sexual assault allegation against a London mayoral contender.

The Labour Press account replied to the CCHQ post, suggesting the Tories “pin” it, which would keep it at the top of the party’s profile permanently.

Sunak accuses SNP of ‘complete economic illiteracy'

13:12 , Andy Gregory

Rishi Sunak has accused the SNP of “complete economic illiteracy”, in a clash over public sector pay at PMQs.

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn said: “This prime minister is out of touch, and the Tory Party is soon to be out of time.

“And what the public really want is change. But in a week where the Conservative Party and indeed the Labour Party both refused to accept proposals for public sector pay rises whilst at the same time accepting the economic damage of Brexit, is it not the case that Westminster does not offer the people real change nor real hope for the future?”

Rishi Sunak responded: “The honourable gentleman just exposes the complete economic illiteracy of the SNP position. His first question talks about the challenges posed on ordinary families by higher interest rates caused by higher inflation.

“What does his next question do? Support a policy that would increase government borrowing and make the situation worse. It just demonstrates completely candidly why the SNP’s approach to economic management is simply not fit for anyone in the United Kingdom.”

Watch: Plaid Cymru says Sunak is allowing poverty while corporate profits pile up

13:28 , Andy Gregory

No 10 says groping allegations against Daniel Korski are ‘very serious'

13:46 , Andy Gregory

Downing Street described Daisy Goodwin’s groping allegation against Tory London mayoral hopeful Daniel Korski as “very serious”.

Asked if Rishi Sunak believes Mr Korski is a suitable candidate, the prime minister’s press secretary said: “As you know there are three candidates and the prime minister does not endorse any single one candidate.

“Obviously these allegations are very serious. They are allegations that have obviously been denied by Daniel Korski himself. They should be handled in the proper way.”

Sunak encourages other accusers to come forward after groping claims against Tory mayoral candidate

14:00 , Joe Middleton

Rishi Sunak has encouraged other women to come forward following “very serious) groping allegations against a Tory mayoral candidate.

Daniel Korski has been accused of touching a TV producer’s breast in Downing Street.

Daisy Goodwin, who made the sensational accusation on Monday evening, says she has since has “been contacted by other women with some very interesting stories”.

She said she could not discuss the details “for legal reasons”, but added that they had made her feel “entirely justified” in naming him.

Asked if the prime minister would encourage those who feel they have been ill treated by members of government staff – former or present – to come forward, his spokeswoman said “of course”.

Downing Street also described the allegations as “very serious”.

Mr Sunak’s press secretary said: “Obviously these allegations are very serious. They are allegations that have obviously been denied by Daniel Korski himself. They should be handled in the proper way.”

Downing Street also said the “allegations should be dealt with by the appropriate authority and taken seriously.”

Tory MPs ‘pause’ support for Daniel Korski

14:03 , Archie Mitchell

A number of Tory MP backers of Daniel Korski have now paused support for his London mayoral campaign in the wake of the groping allegation against him.

Children’s minister Claire Coutinho, who previously endorsed Mr Korski in the contest, said her support is “on pause” and described Ms Goodwin’s sexual assault allegation against Mr Korski is “serious and concerning”.

Skills minister Robert Halfon has also paused his support while former Tory health minister Lord Bethell, who had also endorsed Mr Korski, said he is “committed to support but keeping a watchful eye”.

Voices: It’s time for the Tories to nationalise Thames Water

14:19 , Joe Middleton

As a sort of long-term real world experiment into the merits of running a basic utility in the private sector, the seemingly imminent emergency renationalisation of Thames Water suggests it was not a very good idea in the first place. Indeed, it may now be fairly judged as a failure – and an embarrassing one at that for the party responsible, writes Sean O’Grady.

Other water companies are available, as they say, and are not in as sorry a state as old father Thames’ corporate emanation, but the best that can be said about this episode is that it proves that life for a water company as a joint stock concern owned by shareholders doesn’t necessarily guarantee clean rivers, superb customer service and, indeed, even a steady reliable income for the owners.

Most private companies that are, like Thames Water, loaded up with too much debt and lumbered with questionable management go bust, sadly, and the fate of staff, assets, shareholders and customers are left to market forces. Yet in the case of a water company, for obvious reasons of supply and sanitation, it cannot be left to just close down.

It’s time for the Tories to nationalise Thames Water | Sean O’Grady

No 10 urges that no conclusions should be drawn over Daniel Korski allegations

14:42 , Joe Middleton

Downing Street, which refused to be drawn on the Daniel Korski allegations, also urged that no conclusions be drawn over the claims.

Asked who Mr Sunak believes, his press secretary said: “I’m not going to get into ‘he said, she said’.

“The two parties are telling different stories, the proper processes should be followed and conclusions shouldn’t be drawn on until the processes are followed through.”

She said the vetting process for London mayoral candidates is carried out by the Conservative Party.

Asked if the PM was aware of any concerns before press reports, she said: “No, not that I’m aware of.”

Labour scraps pledge to bring in rent controls in latest U-turn

14:55 , Joe Middleton

Labour has ditched a pledge to control surging rents if it wins the next general election – nine months after endorsing the policy.

Lisa Nandy said in September that that she wanted to give local authorities the power to freeze rents, telling party conference: “Doing nothing is not an option.”

But speaking at a conference on Wednesday she described the approach as a “sticking plaster” and claimed it would increase homelessness.

Jon Stone reports.

Labour scraps pledge to bring in rent controls

Environment minister says Thames Water has not paid out dividends in five years

15:11 , Joe Middleton

Badenoch ‘very concerned’ over fears Thames Water could collapse

15:21 , Joe Middleton

Kemi Badenoch has said she is “very concerned” over fears that Thames Water could collapse.

The business secretary told Sky News it was important to make sure that the company “survives” as there was outstanding issues involving sewage disposal and keeping peoples water bills down.

It comes amid reports that the company is on the verge of going bust.

The utility giant is seeking to raise cash from investors as it struggles under a £14 billion debt pile, with the government said to be drawing up contingency plans for the firm’s emergency nationalisation.

Bank of England admits its own forecasts ‘unworkable' in inflation crisis

15:46 , Joe Middleton

The Bank of England’s forecasting model has become “unworkable” during Britain’s current inflation crisis, its chief economist has admitted.

Huw Pill conceded that the central bank’s model had produced misleading forecasts which failed to assess the ongoing impacts of the Ukraine war on prices and wages.

Speaking at the ECB forum on Wednesday, Mr Pill said the Bank used a model “based on last quarter century” when inflation expectations “were well anchored and there was little evidence of persistence”.

Adam Forrest reports.

Bank of England admits its own forecasts ‘unworkable’ in inflation crisis

Tory London mayoral contender blocked from government job after grope allegation, says Goodwin

16:20 , Joe Middleton

Tory London mayoral contender Daniel Korski was blocked from a government job over the allegation he groped a TV producer in Downing Street, Daisy Goodwin has claimed.

Ms Goodwin said Mr Korski was up for a directorship at a government department, but did not get the position after she told the chair of the board he had groped her a decade ago.

The producer and screenwriter went public with the allegation on Monday, arguing that “the people of London deserve to know”. It came after Mr Korski made the shortlist to take on Sadiq Khan for the Conservatives in next year’s mayoral election.

Ms Goodwin said it was “interesting” that Mr Korski was blocked from the directorship but has been backed as a candidate for London mayor.

Mr Korski revealed on Tuesday that Tory HQ knew about the groping claim against him but put him on the shortlist anyway. He denies any wrongdoing.

And, speaking to Times Radio, Ms Goodwin said: “I heard that he was going up for a directorship at a government department, and I happened to know someone who was the chair of that board, and we were talking about him, and I told that person the story of what had happened to me.

“And that person, who I really can’t name, was very grateful to me for that information. He didn’t get that directorship which suggests that, you know. Well it’s interesting that he didn’t get that direction and yet he’s been backed as a candidate for the Tory mayor.”

Ms Goodwin added that she spoke to Ian Hislop before naming Mr Korski, who “made her feel this was the right thing to do”.

And she called for Mr Korski to step aside in the contest for the Conservative nomination, adding: “Men with impulse control problems, which I think is what Daniel Korski has, are probably not the best people to run the country.

“I think he should withdraw, it’s as simple as that.”

Tory London mayoral contender withdraws from contest

16:44 , Joe Middleton

The Tory London mayoral contender who allegedly groped TV producer Daisy Goodwin has pulled out of the contest.

Daniel Korski has “categorically” denied Ms Goodwin’s claim that he fondled her breast a decade ago after a meeting in Downing Street.

Screenwriter and producer Ms Goodwin has called his denial “bizarre”, claiming that Mr Korski “would say that”. She has also suggested Mr Korski may face further misconduct claims, having been contacted by three other women who have had “similar experiences” with the entrepreneur.

And Mr Korski has now confirmed he will no longer run to be the Conservative candidate for next May’s mayoral election.

In a statement, he said: “I have decided, with a heavy heart, to withdraw from the Conservative mayoral contest.”

He added: “The pressure on my family because of this false and unproven allegation and the inability to get a hearing for my message of ‘The London Dream’ makes it impossible for my campaign to carry on.“I am proud of having run a positive campaign that championed new ideas, technology and talent, and the years I have campaigned for the Conservative Party and to make the lives of Londoners better.”

Breaking: Government defeated as Lords force small boats bill to comply with international law

17:03 , Joe Middleton

The government has been defeated in the House of Lords as peers moved to force Rishi Sunak’s small boats bill to comply with international law.

Conservative peers were among those backing an amendment to the Illegal Migration Bill, which states that its powers cannot conflict with the UK’s obligations under the UN Refugee Convention, European Convention on Human Rights and other agreements on children’s rights, trafficking and statelessness.

The new laws aim to allow the government to detain and deport all small boat migrants, without considering their asylum or trafficking claims.

Lizzie Dearden reports.

Government defeated as Lords force small boats bill to comply with international law

Daisy Goodwin ‘glad’ Daniel Korski has withdrawn from Tory London mayor race

17:32 , Joe Middleton

Daisy Goodwin said she is “glad” that Daniel Korski has withdrawn from the race to be the Tory candidate for the London mayoralty.

The screenwriter and novelist Daisy Goodwin claims that Mr Korski groped her breast after a meeting at Downing Street more than a decade ago.

Mr Korski has “categorically” denied Ms Goodwin’s claims.

She told PA : “I am glad he has withdrawn - it shows that women can speak out against misbehaviour in the workplace and be believed.

“If I was in the ethics department of the Cabinet Office, I would be wondering why such behaviour went unchecked in Downing Street.”

‘Concerned’ government eyes temporary nationalisation of Thames Water

18:04 , Joe Middleton

The business secretary has said she is “concerned” amid fears that the UK’s largest water company could be on the verge of financial collapse.

Kemi Badenoch said the government was “looking at what we can do” amid reports that the government is considering temporarily nationalising the firm.

Contingency planning worked up by environment ministry Defra and regulator Ofwat includes the option of placing the company into a so-called “special administration regime”, according to the Financial Times.

‘Concerned’ government eyes temporary nationalisation of Thames Water

MP berates Sainsbury's boss after discovering CEO bonus is 200 times workers pay

18:35 , Joe Middleton

Tom Peck: The best weapon the Tories have to throw at Labour? A pair of Starmer-branded flip flops

18:53 , Joe Middleton

The Conservative Party chairman Greg Hands tweets ‘flip flop’ pictures of them roughly every 30 seconds. If this is the best example they’ve got of ‘attack dog politics’, the Tories are really in trouble, writes Tom Peck

The best weapon the Tories have to throw at Labour? A pair of flip flops | Tom Peck

Plaid Cymru Westminster leader says Sunak is allowing poverty while corporate profits pile up

19:43 , Joe Middleton

21:30 , Sam Rkaina

We’re pausing our live coverage of the Daniel Korski allegations but keep checking independent.co.uk for the latest updates.