Bournemouth West MP Conor Burns has been sacked from post in the Department for International Trade following a complaint of "serious misconduct".

But the MP – who has also had the Tory whip suspended – accused the party of rushing to judgment, as he vowed to clear his name.

He now faces an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour at the annual Tory conference.

What happened?

Tory MP Conor Burns has been sacked as Trade Policy Minister and had the whip removed following allegations of “inappropriate behaviour”.

It is understood the allegation of inappropriate behaviour relates to an alleged incident at the Tory party conference this week.

What has Mr Burns said?

The MP for Bournemouth West, who has held the seat since 2010, said he would “fully co-operate” with the probe.

In a statement posted on social media, he said he had not been given “any information” about the complaint when he was informed the party would be investigating.

He tweeted: “Earlier I received a call from the chief whip Wendy Morton. Ms Morton informed me that a complaint had been received about me and she had passed it to Conservative Campaign Headquarters to investigate.

“I was not given any information about the complaint nor was I asked to provide any information.

“On the basis of this complaint Ms Morton told me that the whip was being withdrawn and that I was standing down as trade minister. I will fully cooperate with the party’s (inquiry) and look forward to clearing my name.

“I hope the party will be as quick to conduct their (inquiry) as they were to rush to judgment.”

Bournemouth Echo: Conor Burns, MP for Bournemouth West

What was his role in Government?

Mr Burns was appointed minister of state in the Department for International Trade in last month’s reshuffle, after Ms Truss took the reins in No 10.

He was previously a minister in the Northern Ireland Office, and had been a staunch ally of former prime minister Boris Johnson.

What has the prime minister and government said?

A No 10 spokesperson said: “Following a complaint of serious misconduct, the Prime Minister has asked Conor Burns MP to leave the Government with immediate effect.

“The Prime Minister took direct action on being informed of this allegation and is clear that all ministers should maintain the high standards of behaviour – as the public rightly expects.”

A spokesman for the Whips’ Office said: “We have suspended the whip pending investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour earlier this week.

“We take all such allegations extremely seriously. The Prime Minister has been clear that the highest standards in public life must be upheld.”

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Has anyone else commented?

Tory MP Simon Hoare said the investigation should take place “speedily”, and on the presumption that Mr Burns is “innocent until proven guilty”.

The North Dorset MP said the investigation into a complaint of “serious misconduct” concerning Bournemouth West's Mr Burns, should take place “speedily”, and on the presumption that Mr Burns is “innocent until proven guilty”.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s PM programme, he said: “I very much hope that whatever inquiry takes place speedily and on the presumption, because I do happen to believe in that old adage that you’re innocent until proven guilty, so let’s presume he’s innocent, that he can then return to Government and continue as an effective minister.”

What else has been said?

Spice Girl, Melanie Brown, caused a stir on Friday night by quote tweeting part of Mr Burns' Twitter statement, saying: "Really, your (sp) shocked about this complaint??? Let me remind you what you said me in lift..."

We contacted a representative of Ms Brown, who told the Daily Echo there was no further comment.

We also contacted Mr Burns for comment. He did not respond to us, but he did tell PA News Agency: “I believe I have never met Mel."

What have local political groups said?

We have contacted Bournemouth West Conservative Association on Friday and Saturday. No response has been forthcoming.

We have also contacted Bournemouth Labour and Bournemouth Greens for statement.

We have received a statement from Bournemouth Liberal Democrats.

Gillian Pardy, chair of Bournemouth Liberal Democrats said: "Whilst we share none of Conor Burns political beliefs and would welcome the chance to represent the people of Bournemouth West we belief that in all matters we should uphold the basic principle of justice that a person is innocent until proven guilty.

"Mr Burns must examine his actions, whatever they might have been and should decide in an honorable way, what he should best do in the interest of his constituents."

Has Mr Burns responded?

We have contacted Mr Burns to ask if he has spoken to his local Conservative group and if they are supportive. We have also asked if the allegation is proven, will he resign.

Has anything else happened? 

The Times are reporting the Bournemouth West MP is set to receive a knighthood in Boris Johnson’s resignation honours list.

In their article, they say, Mr Burns, is among a handful of loyalist MPs expected to be honoured by the former Prime Minister.