Tory MP Crispin Blunt confirms arrest on suspicion of rape and drug charges

Conservative MP Crispin Blunt has confirmed he has been arrested on suspicion of rape and the possession of controlled substances.

Surrey Police said a man was detained on Wednesday morning before being released on conditional bail while officers continue investigating.

The Tory party has declined to comment on the arrest, first reported by The Sun, and would not say whether he has been asked to stay away from Parliament, as has happened in the past.

However, on Thursday evening, Crispin Blunt took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to confirm he was the MP arrested in connection with the allegations.

In a statement, he wrote: “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.”

Blunt has since been suspended by the party, had the whip removed and been asked to stay away from Parliament.

Enquiries into the incident remain ongoing at this time.

On Thursday, a police spokesman said: “We can confirm a man was arrested yesterday morning (October 25)… on suspicion of rape and possession of controlled substances.

“He has been released on conditional police bail pending further inquiries.”

It is the latest in a string of arrests of sitting MPs.

Back in May 2022, it emerged that a Tory MP in his 50s had been arrested on suspicion of indecent assault, sexual assault, rape, abuse of position of trust and misconduct in public office.

The Tory whips’ office said at the time that the MP had been asked not to “attend the Parliamentary estate while an investigation is ongoing”.

The latest extension to his bail is to mid-February.

One Conservative MP was arrested on suspicion of rape in 2020. He was never identified and police took no further action after an investigation.