A Conservative MP was detained on suspicion of rape and sexual assault charges dating back seven years.

In a statement, Scotland Yard stated that a man in his 50s had been detained on suspicion of indecent assault, sexual assault, rape, abuse of position of trust, and misconduct in public office.

The suspect is still being held in jail, and the investigation into the alleged crimes, which occurred between 2002 and 2009, is ongoing.

The alleged offences took place in London.
Tory top whip Chris Heaton-Harris has urged the anonymous serving MP to remain away from Parliament while the investigation is being conducted by police from Central Specialist Crime.

“We will not make any additional comments until the inquiry is completed.”

According to reports, the Conservatives will not decide whether to suspend the suspect’s whip until the police investigation is completed.

In January 2020, the Metropolitan Police claimed it received a report about the suspected sexual offences.

Neither the police nor the Conservative Party have identified the MP in question.

According to The Sunday Times, 56 MPs are now facing claims ranging from making sexually improper comments to more severe crimes.

When challenged about the newspaper’s story during Prime Minister’s Questions in April, Boris Johnson agreed that sexual misbehaviour would be “grounds for dismissal” for ministers.

The Prospect union, which represents hundreds of Houses of Parliament employees, has called for tougher action.

“What will it take for Parliament to finally take its responsibilities to its personnel and visitors seriously and stop access to the estate for legislators under investigation for sexual offences?” questioned Garry Graham, deputy general secretary.

“Parliament has the same duties to its employees as any other business, and it must live up to them,” he said.