UK's Sunak could face vote to fill seat after lawmaker suspension upheld

Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak gives a pool interview in the car park of the Kilburn police station following a visit to the premises, northwest of London, Britain August 30, 2023. JUSTIN TALLIS/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo

LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Rishi Sunak could face the prospect of another difficult election for a potential vacant seat in parliament, after a lawmaker lost an appeal against a proposed eight-week suspension for groping two men at a London club.

Chris Pincher, who now sits as an independent, was suspended from the ruling Conservative Party by then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson last year after being accused of sexual misconduct. Johnson's initial perceived downplaying of the allegations added to pressure that ultimately led to Johnson's resignation as prime minister.