Party urged to suspend MP over rape allegations

The Conservatives are facing calls to suspend a Tory MP who is being investigated by the party over allegations of rape and sexual assault.

Rishi Sunak’s spokesman declined to comment on reports that his party has hired a law firm to look into the conduct of a Conservative backbencher, following complaints by colleagues.

It is understood that none of the alleged victims has made a formal complaint, but some Conservative MPs have reported the accusations to the police and the party.

In relation to the complaints, first reported by talkTV and the Sun, a Metropolitan police spokesman said: “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 inquiries into these allegations.” A formal investigation has not been launched.

The allegations are the latest in a raft of sexual scandals faced by political parties in recent years.

At least six Conservative MPs have had the whip withdrawn or quit politics in the past 18 months over allegations of misconduct. One backbencher is under orders to stay away from parliament after being arrested on suspicion of serious sexual offences, including rape.

Labour MPs and Prospect, the trade union for some parliamentary staff, called on the Conservatives to take action in the latest case and suspend the whip, as well as ban the MP from parliament.

Jess Phillips, the Labour MP and shadow minister for domestic violence, said: “I don’t understand how you can have people being investigated by your party or who are the subject of a police complaint who retain the whip. There is no explanation for that. I don’t want them wandering round parliament and I also don’t want them seeing constituents.”