British lawmaker quits after sexual assault conviction, triggering by-election

FILE PHOTO: British MP Imran Ahmad Khan arrives at Southwark Crown Court to stand trial over a series of sex offence claims, in London, Britain, April 5, 2022. REUTERS/Tom Nicholson

LONDON (Reuters) - A British lawmaker from Prime Minister Boris Johnson's ruling Conservative party who was convicted of sexually abusing a 15-year-old boy has resigned as a member of parliament, triggering a by-election that will be a test of Johnson's popularity.

Imran Ahmad Khan, 48, who represents the Wakefield area in northern England, had denied the allegation but was on Monday found guilty of assaulting the boy at a house in 2008.