The incident led to the International Lounge, which is only open to certain delegates, being placed on lockdown for around 20 minutes. The Cotswolds MP, who is Treasurer of the 1922 Committee of Tory MPs, could now face further action from the Conservative Party. A party spokesman said: “The incident was totally unacceptable. “Geoffrey has been asked to leave Conference and we are establishing all of the facts to see if further action is necessary. “We will always adopt a zero tolerance approach to any inappropriate behaviour towards our hardworking staff.”
It is understood Sir Geoffrey, 66, was stopped by staff at the entrance to the lounge, before “remonstrating” with them when they tried to prevent him bringing in his wife.
Security staff then intervened, police were called and people were barred from entering the room.
The MP didn’t deny he had been involved in an incident, adding: “I’ve got nothing further to say about it. I don’t want to comment on it, really.”
In a statement, Greater Manchester Police said: “At around 1.45pm on Tuesday 1 October 2019, an attendee to the Conservative Party Conference attempted to enter the International Lounge area of the conference without the relevant pass.
“Security staff intervened and resolved the situation without any breach of security occurring.”
The incident came on “law and order” day at the Tory conference, just before a speech by the Home Secretary Priti Patel on tougher sentences for violent criminals.
The conference is due to end with a speech by Boris Johnson tomorrow.
