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  1. Politics
24 July 2014

Tories investigate MP over domestic assault caution

Michael Gove has launched a probe into Bury St Edmunds MP David Ruffley, after he was issued with a domestic assault caution earlier this year.

By Lucy Fisher

David Ruffley MP is under investigation by the Conservative party after receiving a caution for domestic assault earlier this year.

Michael Gove, the Government chief whip, launched an inquiry into the MP for Bury St Edmunds after his constituency Police and Crime Commissioner and a prominent member of the local clergy complained.

Ruffley accepted a police caution for common assault after an incident involving his former partner four  months ago.

His local Conservative Association brought forward a meeting to review the scandal from September to next week and could decide to initiate formal de-selection proceedings at a later date.

Growing public outrage has forced Gove’s hand to intervene in a bid to stem damage to the party. He is expected to approach Ruffley personally to ascertain details of the incident.

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The Dean of St Edmundsbury Cathedral wrote personally to Ruffley, copying her letter to Gove, Lord Tebbit and senior local Tories.

The Very Reverend Dr Frances Ward wrote: “You tried to convince me that in the ‘incident’ back in March there was blame on both sides. When I visited [redacted] in March a day or so after the event and went to hug her as my usual greeting, she winced in obvious pain.

“She told me as a friend and her priest of the events of the evening that had led to your arrest, and how frightened she had been of your rage and violent behaviour.”

Ward added: “It is my belief that you have lost the confidence of a significant proportion of your former supporters and should consider your position.”

Tim Passmore, the Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk, described Ruffley’s caution as “an implicit admission of guilt”.

“Domestic abuse is a dreadful crime which should not, and must not ever be tolerated, regardless of the circumstances,” he said. “This applies to all people regardless of wealth or status in society.”

He added: “The future of David Ruffley as a Member of Parliament and prospective Conservative parliamentary candidate for the Bury St Edmunds constituency is a matter for their association but I hope I have made my views entirely clear, such behaviour is inexcusable.”

Bury Fawcett Society, a women’s rights group, have also called for the MP to be dropped at the next election.

Yesterday Ruffley issued a statement through his lawyer, in which he said he “deeply regrets” the behaviour that led to the police caution for common assault.

He admitted that the assault was “inappropriate action”, but said does not “condone” domestic violence. He has apologised and his ex-partner has accepted his apology, he said.

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