MP Blunt arrested over rape and drug allegations

A senior Conservative MP has been arrested on suspicion of rape and possession of drugs.

- Pippa Crerar ,Rowena Mason, Vikram Dodd

Crispin Blunt made a statement yesterday after Surrey police said a man in his 60s had been arrested on Wednesday and later released on bail.

The MP for Reigate, a former justice minister and ex-chair of parliament's foreign affairs committee, said he was confident the investigation would end without charge. He said he had previously reported an allegation of extortion to police in relation to the same incident, and had spoken to officers several weeks ago.

Blunt's statement said: "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 the 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 ... 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." It is understood the whip has been suspended from Blunt and he has been asked to stay away from the parliamentary estate until the police inquiry is over.