Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Politics
Jon Stone

Former MP questioned by police after child abuse allegations

A former MP has been questioned by police investigating allegations of historic child sex abuse, he has confirmed.

The unnamed 55-year-old, who denies any wrongdoing, was interviewed under caution by Staffordshire Police.

Allegations of abuse were made by a woman called Esther Baker, who has waived her right to anonymity to go public with claims she was abused in the 1980s and 1990s.

She says she was abused by a politician and says she decided to name herself in the hope of finding other alleged victims.

She told Sky News that she and other children were taken to the Cannock Chase area and raped by a number of individuals. 

The anonymous accused MP told the Press Association news agency: “My children are the victim of this latest witch-hunt by Labour MPs who have no concern about the effects of their campaign on real people.”

“I am not critical of the police. The police have got to investigate. They are put in a very difficult situation.

“The issue is public campaigning when what we have are unproven allegations. Two Labour MPs have been campaigning to get a prosecution while the police are investigating. It is an attempt to pervert the course of justice. 

“They don't stop to think that what they are campaigning about might not be true.”

A Staffordshire Police spokesman said: “On Monday October 12 2015 a 55-year-old male was questioned by detectives as part of an on going investigation into non-current sexual abuse.

“It is the policy of Staffordshire Police never to confirm in any way the identity or any other personal details of those subject to any investigation until charge.”

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.