Charlie Elphicke, the Conservative MP for Dover, has been charged with three counts of sexual assault against two women, the Crown Prosecution Service said.

The 48-year-old is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on September 6.

He is alleged to have attacked the first woman in 2007 and the second woman twice in 2016.

A CPS spokesperson said: “The CPS made the decision to charge Mr Elphicke after reviewing a file of evidence from the Metropolitan Police.

“The CPS reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against Mr Elphicke are now active and that he has a right to a fair trial.”

Elphicke was suspended from the Conservative Party in November 2017 after “serious allegations” against him were referred to the police. 

But in December 2018, 13 months later, he was controversially restored the whip and was therefore allowed to part in a vote of no confidence in Theresa May. 

The MP tweeted at the time: “Important for my constituents to know that, 13 months after having it withdrawn, I have been given back the Conservative Whip. 

“I remain as confident as I always have been of clearing my name and will continue to work hard for Dover & Deal as I always have done.” 

Elphicke’s solicitor Ellen Peart said after the charges were announced on Monday that the MP has “said from the outset that he denies any wrongdoing”, and added that he would “defend himself vigorously and is confident that he will clear his name.”

Peart added: “Meanwhile Charlie would like to thank everyone for their continued support of him and his family.”