A CONSERVATIVE MP has been arrested on suspicion of rape and drug possession.
The Sun first reported that the “prominent” male politician was arrested on Wednesday in Horley, Surrey.
He was not named by the paper, which cited legal reasons.
However, Crispin Blunt, the Tory MP for Reigate since 1997, said he was the MP at the centre of the story on Thursday evening.
Blunt (above) wrote in a statement on social media: "It has been reported that an MP was arrested yesterday in connection with an allegation of rape. I am confirming that MP was me.
"The fact of the arrest requires a formal notification of the Speaker and then my chief whip.
"I have now been interviewed twice in connection with this incident, the first time three weeks ago, when I initially reported my concern over extortion. The second time was earlier this morning under caution following arrest.
"The arrest was unnecessary as I remain ready to co-operate fully with the investigation that I am confident will end without charge.
"I do not intend to say anything further on this matter until the police have completed their inquiries."
— Crispin Blunt MP (@CrispinBlunt) October 26, 2023
A Surrey police spokesperson said: “We can confirm a man was arrested yesterday morning (25 October) in Horley on suspicion of rape and possession of controlled substances.
"He has been released on conditional police bail pending further enquiries."
It is the latest blow to the Conservatives, who have been at the centre of a number of recent sleaze allegations.
Former deputy chief whip Chris Pincher resigned as an MP last year after he was accused of groping a man in a private members’ club.
On Wednesday, Peter Bone was suspended from the Commons for six weeks after he was found to have exposed himself to and bullied a member of his staff. He denies the allegations but his suspension could result in the Tories facing another by-election.
Another Tory MP is currently on bail over sexual assault allegations which he denies.
