Tory MP arrested after sex offences claims

A Conservative MP has been arrested on suspicion of rape and sexual assault offences spanning seven years.

Scotland Yard said the unnamed man, who remained in custody yesterday, was also held on suspicion of indecent assault, abuse of position of trust and misconduct in public office.

The Metropolitan Police said officers received a report in January 2020 relating to alleged sexual offences committed in London between 2002 and 2009.

It is understood the Conservatives will not make a decision on whether the suspect has the whip suspended until after the police probe, but he has been told to stay away from Parliament. Tory sources declined to identify the individual, citing the need to protect the identity of complainants.

The Prospect union, representing hundreds of staff in the Houses of Parliament, said firmer action is needed.

Deputy general secretary Garry Graham said: “What will it take for Parliament to finally take its responsibility to its staff and visitors seriously and suspend access to the estate for parliamentarians under investigation for sexual offences?

“Voluntary agreements to stay away do not work.”

The arrest comes amid renewed scrutiny of sleaze in Westminster after a string of cases.

Former Conservative MP Imran Ahmad Khan quit earlier this month after being convicted of sexually assaulting a boy.

David Warburton had the Conservative whip withdrawn after claims of sexual harassment and cocaine use.

In the last year, about 15 MPs are believed to have been investigated by Parliament’s Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS) watchdog that examines allegations of bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct.