Definition
Charlie Elphicke is a British former politician who served as the Conservative Member of Parliament (MP) for Dover from 2010 until his removal in 2019. He is notable for his parliamentary career and subsequent legal conviction for sexual offences.
Overview
Born on 12 May 1965 in Bromley, Kent, England, Charles William Elphicke pursued a career in law before entering politics, qualifying as a solicitor and later becoming a partner at a London firm. He was elected to the Dover constituency in the 2010 general election and was re‑elected in 2015 and 2017. During his time in Parliament, Elphicke held positions including Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, and later to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.
In November 2017, Elphicke was suspended from the Conservative Party after allegations of sexual misconduct were reported. An internal party investigation led to his removal from the Conservative whip in June 2018. He stood as an independent candidate in the 2019 general election but lost his seat. In July 2020, he was found guilty of three counts of sexual assault involving two women and was sentenced to two years in prison.
Etymology/Origin
- Charlie: A diminutive form of the given name Charles, derived from the Germanic name Karl, meaning “free man.”
- Elphicke: An English surname of uncertain origin; it may be locational, derived from a place name, or patronymic. The exact etymology has not been conclusively documented.
Characteristics
- Professional Background: Trained solicitor; partner at a corporate law firm prior to parliamentary service.
- Political Career: Represented Dover as a Conservative MP for nine years. Involved in legislation concerning housing, welfare, and local government. Served as a PPS, a junior role supporting senior ministers.
- Legal Issues: Subject to a criminal trial in 2020, resulting in conviction for sexual assault and imprisonment. The case received considerable media coverage and contributed to parliamentary discussions on sexual misconduct and the handling of such allegations within political parties.
- Public Perception: Mixed; recognized for constituency work and involvement in policy areas, but his reputation was significantly affected by the criminal convictions and prior allegations of misconduct.
Related Topics
- Conservative Party (UK)
- United Kingdom Parliamentary Procedure
- Sexual Misconduct in Politics
- Dover (UK Parliament constituency)
- List of MPs who have been convicted of crimes
- Legal standards for sexual assault in England and Wales