Former Justice minister Crispin Blunt has tonight confirmed that he is the Conservative MP arrested on suspicion of rape and possession of controlled substances. In a statement posted on Twitter/X, he wrote the following statement:
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 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.
The Conservative party has declined to comment on the grounds that this an ongoing legal matter. But it is the latest sexual misconduct allegation to hit the party. A separate Conservative MP, in his 50s, was arrested on suspicion of rape in May 2022 and remains on bail until mid-February 2024 on allegations of sexual assault, abuse of position of trust and misconduct in a public office.
Blunt has now had the Tory whip suspended pending the outcome of the police investigation. He has been asked to stay away from the parliamentary estate for the duration of the investigation.
