A Conservative MP found guilty of child sex offences has quit as an MP, triggering a by-election in a “Red Wall” seat.
Imran Ahmad Khan, who represents Wakefield, said that he is appealing against the verdict but is resigning so that someone can represent his constituents.
Khan was found guilty of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old boy, and became the first sitting MP to be convicted of child sex offences on Monday. He was expelled from the Conservative Party.
On Thursday night, he claimed he was “found guilty of touching a leg above clothing with sexual intent”.
The case has been ongoing since 2019, when Staffordshire Police began an investigation after the victim came forward.
In a statement, Khan said: “I have therefore regrettably come to the conclusion that it is intolerable for constituents to go years without an MP who can amplify their voices in Parliament.”
He said he wanted to apologise to his family and community for the “humiliation” the case had caused, but would now focus on “clearing his name.”
Khan, who is gay and a Muslim, added: “Questions surrounding sexuality in my community are not trivial, and learning from the press about my orientation, drinking and past behaviour before I became an MP has not been easy.”
