A FORMER Tory minister has been arrested on suspicion of rape following accusations by a woman in her twenties.
The MP was taken into custody early on Saturday after the complainant – an ex parliamentary employee – made a series of allegations to police.
He remained at an east London police station into yesterday afternoon, but has now been released on bail until mid-August.
The complainant accuses him of abuse when the two knew each other last year, the Sunday Times reports.
She alleges that the MP assaulted her, forced her to have sex and left her so traumatised that she had to go to hospital.
RAPE PROBE
The Met Police say they had launched an investigation into a report of rape, sexual assault and coercive control.
A spokesperson said: “On Friday, July 31, the Metropolitan Police Service received allegations relating to four separate incidents involving allegations of sexual offences and assault.
“These offences are alleged to have occurred at addresses in Westminster, Lambeth and Hackney between July 2019 and January 2020.
“The Met has launched an investigation into the allegations.
“A man was arrested on suspicion of rape.”
The allegations were raised with Tory Chief Whip Mark Spencer, and the complainant also spoke to him.
It is understood Mr Spencer advised her to make a formal complaint to the authorities who would be able to investigate the claims.
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A spokesman for Mr Spencer said: “The Chief Whip takes all allegations of harassment and abuse extremely seriously and has strongly encouraged anybody who has approached him to contact the appropriate authorities, including Parliament’s Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme, which can formally carry out independent and confidential investigations.”
A Conservative Party spokesman said: “We take all allegations of this nature extremely seriously. As this matter is now in the hands of the police it would be inappropriate to comment further.”