The Sun has this evening forced the resignation of deputy chief whip Chris Pincher after he assaulted two guests during a late-night drinking session at the Carlton Club. According to the paper “several alarmed Tory MPs got in contact with the Tory whips office to complain about his behaviour”. This is the second time he’s had to resign from the whips’ office, having only been promoted to deputy in February.

In his resignation letter, Pincher confesses “last night I drank far too much. I’ve embarrassed myself and other people”.

Two big vacancies for the PM to fill now following the resignation of Dowden – there’ll surely have to be at least a mini-reshuffle before the Summer recess…

UPDATE: A website post from MP Theresa Villiers confirms Pincher had gone to the Carlton Club for a ‘Conservative Friends of Cyprus’ drinks reception. Guido’s told the event wrapped up around 9 pm.

UPDATE II: Guido understands that while Pincher did attend the ‘Conservative Friends of Cyprus’ reception, the alleged incidents took place after the event wrapped up.