Tory MP arrested over rape allegations

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

He was arrested yesterday and remained in custody last night as reports of the developments emerged.

A spokesman for Scotland Yard said: “A man was arrested on suspicion of indecent assault, sexual assault, rape, abuse of position of trust and misconduct in a public office.”

It follows a two-year investigation into allegations against the MP, according to reports by The Sun newspaper, with the alleged offences said to have been committed between 2002 and 2009 in London.

Conservative chief whip Chris Heaton Harris has asked the MP to stay away from Parliament while an investigation by the police continues.

A spokeswoman for the Conservative whips office said: “Until the conclusion of the investigation we will not be commenting further.”

It follows a string of incidents in recent months that has seen MPS forced to resign, including the conviction of Tory MP Imran Khan for sexually assaulting a 15-year-old boy.

Khan faces jail for plying the teenager with alcohol and assaulting him at a party in 2008.

And earlier this month Tory MP Neil Parish resigned after two female MPS revealed they had seen him watching porn in the Commons chamber.

The MP later said he had been searching for “Dominator combine harvester” tractors on his phone when he stumbled across the lewd material.

He later acknowledged he had gone back and viewed more pornography while at work.

Over the last year, about 15 MPS are expected to have been investigated by Parliament’s Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme watchdog that examines allegations of bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct.