Tory MP Michael Fabricant told GB News that he likes "to mix serious politics with humour", after appearing to make light of a fellow Conservative parliamentarian being accused of rape and sexual assault.
Mr Fabricant tweeted: "I was expecting a strong turnout of Conservative MPs at Prime Minister's Questions today.
Michael Fabricant speaks during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons, London.
PA
"Not only to demonstrate their strong support for #Boris (!!). BUT also to prove they are NOT the one told by the Chief Whip to stay at home.
"I'll be there."
The MP for Lichfield ended the tweet with a winking face emoji.
Speaking about the tweet on GB News, Mr Fabricant told Darren McCaffrey: "In hindsight I shouldn't have done it but... I like to mix in serious politics with a little bit of humour."
Scotland Yard has bailed the unnamed accused MP in his 50s pending further investigation into a string of allegations also including indecent assault, abuse of position of trust and misconduct in public office.
Tory chief whip Chris Heaton-Harris urged the MP to stay away from Parliament but has not suspended the whip, meaning the suspect remains a member of the parliamentary party.
Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner said it was “grotesque”, while shadow health secretary Wes Streeting warned “this isn’t a joke”.
“Delete and stop bringing Parliament into (further) disrepute,” Mr Streeting added.
Chris Bryant, who chairs the Commons Standards Committee, responded: “This shows absolutely shameful disregard for the alleged victims.
“You should take this down immediately.”
Mr Fabricant has since deleted the tweet.
