Summary I have resigned as Conservative whip to save my party, claims Patrick Mercer.
LONDON (AP) - A prominent British lawmaker says he is stepping down as whip of Prime Minister David Cameron s party amid allegations he broke lobbying rules.
Patrick Mercer says he has resigned as Conservative whip "to save my party embarrassment" ahead of allegations due to be aired in a BBC report next week.
Mercer said in a statement Friday that he is taking legal advice about the allegations made in the planned Panorama program and has referred himself to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards.
He declined to elaborate on the nature of the allegations when reached by phone, but the BBC said Panorama has been investigating lobbying and lawmakers conduct.
The BBC declined further comment, saying the program is still being made.
