Patrick Spencer, a Conservative Member of Parliament representing Central Suffolk and North Ipswich since 2024, is currently on trial accused of sexually assaulting two women at London’s Groucho Club in August 2023. The MP has pleaded not guilty to two counts of sexual assault.

The allegations center on claims that Spencer came up behind the two women and inappropriately touched their breasts. While Spencer acknowledged in court that his hands made contact with one of the women’s breasts, he insisted the contact was accidental and denied intentionally groping either woman. He described himself as "gregarious" and "huggy," but maintained he did not attempt to "cop a feel."

Central to the case is CCTV footage from inside the private members club, which shows Spencer raising his arm with a clenched fist following the incidents. Prosecutor Polly Dyer suggested the gesture resembled a "fist pump in celebration" after the alleged assaults. Spencer disagreed with this interpretation, stating the gesture occurred after one of the women pushed his arms away, leaving him feeling embarrassed and surprised. He told the court the movement was an expression of discomfort rather than celebration.

During the police interview, Spencer described his actions as a "moment of complete stupidity" and apologized to the two women. In court, he characterized his behavior that evening as "wildly misjudged," acknowledging it was "ultimately inappropriate" to hug someone in that context. He explained that his arms were thrown down after being pushed away and that he looked toward his friends to check if they had witnessed the incident, calling the situation "mortifying."

The two women testified that Spencer had been insistent in encouraging them to drink, with one describing him as a "pest." Spencer denied behaviors attributed to him, including asking one of the women inappropriate questions about her marriage, referring to such claims as "bizarre."

Spencer also gave details about his consumption of alcohol that day, noting that he had lunch with his father, Lord Spencer, a billionaire Conservative donor, followed by drinks at a rugby match and later at the Groucho Club. His wife, Anna Spencer, who testified in his defense, described him as kind and compassionate but socially awkward, affirming she had never witnessed any inappropriate behavior from him toward women. She called him an extrovert with a fun personality and praised his efforts in managing social situations despite occasional missteps.

Following the charges, Spencer was suspended from the Conservative Party. The trial remains ongoing as the court continues to hear evidence from both sides.