A Tory MP has pleaded not guilty to sexually assaulting two women at London’s well-known Groucho Club.
Patrick Spencer is accused of carrying out the alleged attacks at the private members’ club in Soho in August 2023.
The 37-year-old’s lawyers said previously he "categorically denies" the charges and "will defend the allegations robustly in court".
Spencer, who is the MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today.
The court was told Spencer allegedly groped the women’s breasts over their clothes without their consent.
He confirmed his name and date of birth before pleading not guilty to the offences.
Spencer, who was not an MP at the time of the alleged attacks, was bailed to next appear at Southwark Crown Court on July 14.
A Conservative Party spokesman previously confirmed Spencer has been suspended by the Tories and had the whip withdrawn.
He was charged after attending a voluntary interview at a London police station on March 13.
Frank Ferguson, head of the CPS special crime and counter terrorism division, said: "Following a review of the evidence provided by the Metropolitan Police Service, we have authorised two counts of sexual assault against Patrick Spencer MP.
"The charges follow two alleged incidents involving two separate women at the Groucho Club in central London in August 2023.
"The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against this defendant are now active and that he has the right to a fair trial.
"It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."
Spencer was elected last year with a majority of 4,290.
Before becoming an MP, Spencer worked in finance for private equity firm IPGL, which is chaired by his dad.
He also worked for the Centre for Social Justice thinktank before becoming a senior adviser at the Department for Education.
A Conservative Party spokesman said: "The Conservative Party believes in integrity and high standards. We have taken immediate action.
"Patrick Spencer MP has been suspended from the Conservative Party, and the whip withdrawn, with immediate effect.
"The Conservative Party cannot comment further on an ongoing legal case."
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