Tory MP arrested over rape will not attend Parliament while on bail
Further reference to allegations while investigation continues deemed 'wholly inappropriate' by speaker
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A Conservative MP arrested on suspicion of rape has "voluntarily agreed not to attend the House of Commons for the period of the bail", Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has said.
It comes after calls for the party whip to be removed from the member of parliament - who has not had their name disclosed due to concerns that it may put his accuser at risk of being identified.
The former minister in his 50s was arrested in August and released on bail pending enquiries into allegations of rape and sexual assault.
Addressing the commons, the speaker said: “The house will know that a member has been arrested in connection with an investigation into allegations of a very serious criminal offence.
“I have received assurances from the member and from the government chief whoop that the member has voluntarily agreed not to attend the House of Commons for the period of the bail.
“I, the House of Commons Commission and the House Service take the safety of our staff and the parliamentary community as a whole very seriously, and will ensure that any necessary measures are taken with respect to MPs and employers and staff."
It comes after reports the former minister's accuser had wanted a politician to name the accused in the palace of Westminster - getting around legal limitations on the naming of perpetrators of sexual assault with parliamentary privilege, which allows absolute free speech to politicians in the chambers of parliament.
Sir Lindsay added: “While this investigation is ongoing I believe it would be wholly inappropriate for any further reference to be made to this matter in the house, including any attempt to name the member concerned."
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