Former Tory whip has not been questioned about rape, Met says
A FORMER Conservative whip who is being investigated over alleged sex offences, has not been questioned about rape, Scotland Yard has confirmed.
Charlie Elphicke, 47, was suspended by the Conservative Party five months ago after sexual harassment allegations were made against him.
The Dover MP, who is also a member of the Treasury select committee, was questioned last month by the Metropolitan Police over allegations of “sexual touching”.
Yesterday, The Sunday Times reported that a woman had claimed she had been raped by him between 2015 and 2017.
The married father-of-two has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and his solicitor has said no rape allegation has been raised at any time.
In a statement issued on behalf of the MP, his solicitor said: “At no time has any allegation of this nature been raised. In addition, I was present when Mr Elphicke was interviewed by the police and I can confirm categorically that this is the case.
“Moreover, had a credible allegation of this nature been made against my client, it is inconceivable that the police would not have questioned him about it by now, over five months later.” Scotland Yard also said the investigation at this stage was only one into allegations of “sexual touching”.
A spokesman said: “On 12 March, 2018, a man was interviewed under caution, by appointment. The interview was in connection with an ongoing investigation being carried out by the Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command into alleged offences of sexual touching.”
Mr Elphicke was suspended from the Conservative Party and had the party whip removed on Nov 3.
He has insisted he was unaware what the specific allegations against him were until he was questioned under caution last month.
Keith Single, the Dover and Deal Conservative Association chairman, said: “Many people will rightly ask why Charlie was not questioned about this ‘allegation’ when interviewed by the police. Charlie is innocent until proven otherwise and continues to have our full support.”