Rape investigation into Tory MP dropped by police
Po l i c e h ave d r o p p e d t h e i r investigation into a Conservative MP and ex-minister who was arrested after a woman accused him of rape.
The Metropolitan Police had said they received allegations on July 31 of sexual offences and assault relating to four separate incidents at addresse s i n L o n d o n , i n c l u d i n g i n Westminster, b et ween July last year and January this year.
A m a n w a s a r r e s t e d o n August 1 on suspicion of rape and was taken into custody at an east London police station before later being released on bail, the force added.
But a Metrop olitan Police spokeswoman said: "Following a thorough investigation, a n d b a s e d o n a l l e v i d e n c e made available to officers, the decision was taken that the case did not meet the evidential test and no further action will be taken.
"The complainant has been made aware of the decision."
The man, who the Sunday T i m e s r e p o r t e d h a s b e e n carr ying out parliamentar y duties from home since his a r r e s t , h a s b e e n to l d o f t h e police decision.
The alleged victim told the paper she intends to appeal a g a i n s t t h e d e c i s i o n u n d e r the Victims' Right to Review Scheme.
Following the man's arrest, H o u s i n g S e c r e t a r y R o b e r t Jenrick said on August 2 that he did not know the name of the MP.
Mr Jenrick added that Parliament "needs to be" a safe environment for young women to work in. He told Times Radio: "There has clearly been some ver y difficult allegations and cases in recent years.
"We need to make sure, like any other workplace, it is one that's fit for everybody, where everybody feels safe and comfor table working, and when allegations are raised they are treated with the seriousness they deserve."
Asked whether he personally wanted to see the Tory whip removed from the MP under police investigation, Mr Jenrick said: "We need to take allegations of this nature very seriously and I'm confident that the party is, and will do."
Nu m e r o u s r e p o r t s i n t h e S u n d a y p a p e r s o n A u g u s t 2 s a i d t h e a l l e g a t i o n s we r e raised with Tor y Chief Whip Mark Spencer, and the complainant also spoke to him, but no action was taken.
It is understo o d Mr Sp en - c e r a d v i s e d h e r t o m a k e a f o r m a l c o m p l a i n t .