Parliament’s standards watchdog has reprimanded ex-Tory MP Aaron Bell for “brazen and drunken” sexual misconduct.

A panel concluded the former MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme, who stood down at the election in July, “abused his position of power” by touching a woman “on her left thigh, waist and bottom inappropriately and without her consent” while in one of Parliament’s bars in December 2023.

Had Mr Bell still been an MP, the panel said it would have considered suspending him from Parliament “for a significant period”.

Responding to the finding that he had breached Parliament’s rules on sexual misconduct, Mr Bell said: “I am disappointed at the outcome of the investigation but have chosen not to appeal the findings of the Commissioner.

“This investigation was one of the reasons I chose not to seek re-election at the general election – I have let down the loyal members of my association and thank them for the support they gave me as a Member of Parliament.

“I would also like to apologise to the people of Newcastle-under-Lyme, whom it was an honour to serve.

“This has been a difficult time for my family and I would ask that their privacy is respected at this time.”