Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Tory MP reported to police by colleagues over rape and sexual assault allegations

A group of Conservatives made a third party report to the Metropolitan Police

Jon Stone
Policy Correspondent
Friday 02 December 2022 08:54 GMT
Comments
The Palace of Westminster (Nick Ansell/PA)
The Palace of Westminster (Nick Ansell/PA) (PA Archive)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A senior Conservative MP has been reported to the police over allegations they committed rape and a string of sexual assaults.

The MP was reported to the Metropolitan Police by a group of colleagues, themselves Tory MPs.

The third-party claims span a period of two years and the MPs reported the incidents as a third party, broadcaster TalkTV reports.

The backbench MP is said to be subject to an investigation by an independent law firm.

But despite this still have the Conservative whip and have not been suspended by party chiefs.

On becoming prime minister Rishi Sunak pledged to put integrity, professionalism and accountability at the heart of his government.

Asked to confirm the reports, a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police told The Independent: "On 28 October, police received allegations of serious sexual assault reported to have taken place on unknown dates at undisclosed locations.

"The reports were submitted via a third party. Officers are making enquiries into these allegations."

The Conservative party has yet to comment on the allegations and the government whips office has declined to comment.

The news comes a day after The Sun newspaper reported that a separate former Tory MP had been arrested in June 2021 for alleged historic sex crimes.

That file has been passed to the Crown Prosecution Service, which is set to make a decision on whether to charge.

A third Conservative is also on bail over separate allegations of rape and has been told to avoid the parliamentary estate.

Today's Chester by-election was triggered by the resignation of Labour MP Christian Matheson, who stepped down after a standards investigation upheld two complaints of sexual misconduct. Labour retained the seat with an increased share of the vote.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in