Tory aides to be quizzed by police over alleged rape in Parliament

SCOTLAND Yard was preparing last night to question several Tory political aides over the alleged rape of a young woman in an office in Parliament.

Detectives want to know what happened before the alleged assault in the office of Tory MP Craig Mackinlay.

Sam Armstrong, 23, the MP’s chief-ofstaff, has been questioned after being arrested on suspicion of rape. He will answer bail next year.

He and the woman were among a group seen drinking heavily on the House of Lords terrace. It is understood the woman went to police alleging sexual assault after being invited back to Mr Mackinlay’s office, a few hundred yards from the Commons.

Last night it emerged that Government whips have ordered all Tory MPs to confront their staff about their conduct.

Insiders say they are frustrated at a string of rumours about less serious allegations.

One said they believed cheap drinks and long working hours had led ambitious

‘Treating Parliament like a student union’

young staff to treat Parliament like a ‘student union’.

This is believed to be the first time a woman has reported being raped in the Houses of Parliament to police. She contacted them at about 1am last Friday.

She had spent the evening with Mr Armstrong and others at the terrace bar, which is popular with MPs and political staff.

Detectives immediately arrested Mr Armstrong. Officers were seen searching Mr Mackinlay’s office after obtaining permission from him and Commons authorities. It was also sealed off for forensic tests.

The South Thanet MP, who beat Ukip leader Nigel Farage in the 2015 General Election, was not in Westminster at the time of the alleged attack. A spokesman for Mr Mackinlay said: ‘He is awaiting further information from the police.’

Metropolitan Police said: ‘A 23-year-old man was arrested on Friday on suspicion of rape. He has been bailed pending further inquires.’