MP urged to stand down over sex text scandal
An MP at the centre of a sex text scandal has been urged to step down by the country's biggest trade union.
Calls have been made for Dudley-born MP Andrew Griffiths to quit after it was revealed he sent 'depraved' text messages to two of his constituents.
The MP for Burton and Uttoxeter in Staffordshire left his ministerial role following allegations he bombarded a 28-year-old barmaid and her friend with lewd comments over social media.
Now Unite bosses have backed calls for him to stand down as an MP.
The union's regional officer Rick Coylesaid: “We don’t believe that Andrew Griffiths, a politician irredeemably tainted by a torrent of sleaze, has the necessary stature to fight Burton’s corner locally, regionally and nationally.
“He has become a figure of derision and scorn – and he can no longer effectively represent the constituency he was elected to serve. As a matter of honour, he should resign immediately as an MP.”
Mr Griffiths, a married father, said he was 'deeply ashamed' and was seeking 'professional help to ensure it never happens again'.
The incident was referred to the Conservative Party's code of conduct committee and the Burton MP said he expected to have the whip withdrawn.
Unite said it plans to take part in a rally in Burton on July 28 calling for Mr Griffiths to quit the seat he has held since 2010.
