Tory MP Crispin Blunt has confirmed that he was arrested on Wednesday in connection with an allegation of rape. In a statement, the Reigate MP said he had twice been interviewed by police “in connection with this incident”.
The Conservative Party withdrew the whip from Mr Blunt, meaning he will sit as an independent MP, after he confirmed he had been arrested. He has been asked to stay away from Parliament.
In a statement Mr Blunt, a former justice minister, said:
“It has been reported that an MP was arrested yesterday [25 October] 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 cooperate 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.”
Surrey police said that a man had been arrested in the town of Horley and released on bail during further inquiries.
Blunt married Victoria Jenkins in September 1990 in Kensington and they have a daughter and son. His niece is the actress Emily Blunt. In August 2010, he announced that he was leaving his wife in order “to come to terms with his homosexuality”.
The Conservative Party has declined to comment. This is the latest sexual misconduct allegation to hit the party.
Blimey … sexual misconduct (apparently) abounds in the Tory Party … 