The Home Secretary apologised for making a joke about spiking his wife’s drink with a date rape drug.
James Cleverly said the remark – made at a Downing Street reception – may have “distracted” from efforts to protect women and girls from predators.
He said he hopes to be judged on his actions, not words.
Mr Cleverly joked about putting “a little bit of Rohypnol” in his wife’s drink nightly, adding it was “not really illegal if it’s only a little bit”.
Yesterday he admitted: “It was an awful joke and I apologised immediately, but I’m absolutely committed, and have been throughout my political career, to the protection of women and girls.”
He said he was the first Home Secretary to bring forward legislation to crack down on spikings.
His “joke” sparked a backlash from campaigners, with some demanding his dismissal. Police receive 560 reports of spiking each month.
The Home Office has announced that hundreds of staff will be trained to spot signs someone may have been spiked and look out for predators targeting vulnerable women.
