British Politician Arrested on Suspicion of Rape

UK Houses of Parliament

A British politician has been arrested on suspicion of committing several sexual offences, including rape.

London’s Metropolitan police said that the arrest of the politician, who has not been named but is understood to represent the governing Conservative party, was the result of a two-year investigation relating to offences alleged to have been committed between 2002 and 2009.

The force confirmed in a statement that “a man, aged in his 50s, was arrested on suspicion of indecent assault, sexual assault, rape, abuse of position of trust and misconduct in public office. He remains in custody”.

“The offences are alleged to have occurred in London. An investigation is ongoing, led by officers from Central Specialist Crime” the statement continued.

A spokesperson for the Conservative party said the politician would be asked not to attend parliament whilst the investigation is ongoing. “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.”

Any decision on what action to take against the party member will be made following the conclusion of the police investigation.

The arrest is the latest scandal to engulf the Conservative party, who have been in power since 2010. The news came as a date was set for elections triggered by the resignation of two Conservative politicians accused of impropriety. Imran Ahmad Khan stepped down after being convicted of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old boy, while Neil Parish also resigned after admitting to watching pornography during parliamentary proceedings.

Both votes will be held on June 23rd, and opposition parties are hopeful of gaining both seats from the Conservatives with trust in the party locally at an all-time low.