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18th May 2022

Conservative MP arrested for rape and sexual assault released on bail

Sarah McKenna Barry

An investigation is underway.

The unnamed Conservative MP who was arrested for rape and sexual assault yesterday has been released on bail, though he faces further investigation.

According to Metro, the politician is in his 50s, and the allegations span a seven-year period.

Yesterday, it was reported by many outlets that the Metropolitan Police arrested the man following a 2020 report in relation to alleged sexual offences that were committed between 2002 and 2009.

A statement from Scotland Yard shared yesterday read: “A man was arrested on suspicion of indecent assault, sexual assault, rape, abuse of position of trust and misconduct in a public office.”

Also yesterday, the Chief Whip Chris Heaton Harris confirmed that the MP has been asked to stay away from Parliament throughout the investigation.

A spokesperson for the Chief Whip said: “The Chief Whip has asked that the MP concerned does not attend the Parliamentary Estate while an investigation is ongoing.

“Until the conclusion of the investigation we will not be commenting further.”

Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss told Sky News that she was “very, very concerned” by the news.

Ms Truss said: “I’m very, very concerned about the reports that I’ve heard. Clearly this is a matter for the police.

“The police are currently working on the case but it is worrying that we are seeing these appalling … accusations, again, about a parliamentarian.”

She later said: “I don’t know who it is. I know that the police are looking at it and investigating it and I think we need to wait for the police to conduct those investigations.”

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, support is available. You can contact the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre on 1800 77 8888.