A British Conservative MP has been arrested on suspicion of rape and sexual assault, according to UK officials. The identity of the deputy was not disclosed.
London Metropolitan Police confirmed that a man was in custody on charges ranging from 2002 to 2009.
The Conservative Party said it asked the lawmaker not to enter parliament while the investigation was ongoing. The man also faces allegations of breach of trust and misconduct in public office.
A police spokesperson did not confirm the man’s identity or whether he was a lawmaker.
In a police note, “In January 2020, the Met (police) received a report of sexual crimes committed between 2002 and 2009. The crimes were allegedly committed in London.”
“A man […] arrested on suspicion of indecent assault, sexual assault, rape, breach of trust and abuse of power in public office.”
This whip Chris Heaton Harris of the Conservative Party (leader responsible for disciplining MPs) confirmed that he is an MP and wants him to leave parliament during the investigation.
“We will not make any further comments until the investigation is complete,” he said.
Police said the investigation was led by officers from the Central Crime Expert unit.
The MP’s arrest came amid other scandals involving lawmakers from Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Conservative Party.
Last month, Conservative MP Imran Ahmad Khan was found guilty of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old boy and was expelled from the party.
Another Conservative MP, David Warburton, was suspended after sexual misconduct allegations.
Last month, it was reported that there were sexual complaints about 56 MPs. The list includes three members of Boris Johnson’s cabinet and two lawmakers from the opposition Labor Party, according to the Sunday Times.
source: Noticias
