Former MP Conor McGinn charged with sexual assault

Former Labour MP Conor McGinn has been charged with sexually assaulting a woman.

McGinn was questioned in connection with the allegation from July 2022, the Crown Prosecution Service said.

The 41-year-old was MP for St Helens North from 2015 until 2024, serving as an independent after he was suspended by the Labour Party in December 2022. He later announced he would not seek re-election.

McGinn, now of Lambeth, south London, will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 27 February.

Deputy chief crown prosecutor Jessica Walker said: "The Crown Prosecution Service has decided to charge Conor McGinn with one count of sexual assault following a police investigation into an alleged sexual assault in July 2022.

"Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring this charge to court and that it is in the public interest to do so.

"We have worked closely with the Metropolitan Police as they have carried out their investigation into the allegation.

"The Crown Prosecution Service reminds everyone that criminal proceedings are active, and the defendant has the right to a fair trial."

At the time of his suspension, McGinn told the Guardian newspaper that he had not been told details of the complaint but was "confident that it is entirely unfounded" and rejected "any suggestion of wrongdoing".

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.