Senior Tory MP is arrested on suspicion of rape: Ex-minister is held in police custody accused of sexually assaulting a Commons researcher in her twenties
A leading Tory MP was last night arrested on suspicion of raping and sexually assaulting a Commons researcher in the latest abuse scandal to hit the Government.
As the former Minister was being held in custody in an East London police station, his accuser – a woman in her 20s – was being interviewed by Scotland Yard officers yesterday at a separate location.
The claims have caused consternation in the party, with one senior Conservative politician said to have been ‘close to tears’ after being informed of the allegations.
The Metropolitan police said that on Friday it received allegations relating to four separate incidents between July 2019 and January 2020. “A man in his 50s was arrested on Saturday 1 August on suspicion of rape and is currently in custody in an east London police station,” a statement said.
They later added: “On Friday 31 July, the Metropolitan police service received allegations relating to four separate incidents involving allegations of sexual offences and assault.
“These offences are alleged to have occurred at addresses in Westminster, Lambeth and Hackney between July 2019 and January 2020. The Met has launched an investigation into the allegations.
“A man in his 50s was arrested on Saturday, 1 August on suspicion of rape. He has been released on bail to return on a date in mid-August.”
The abuse allegedly took place during a relationship, the Sunday Times reported.
The paper said the allegations were raised with Conservative chief whip Mark Spencer but no action was taken. The PA news agency understands Spencer advised her to make a formal complaint to the authorities who would be able to investigate the claims.
Police did not reveal any further details about the arrested man’s identity or occupation.
A Conservative party spokesman said: “We take all allegations of this nature extremely seriously. As this matter is now in the hands of the police, it would be inappropriate to comment further.”
PA contributed to this report
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