British MP Crispin Blunt arrested on suspicion of rape and possession of drugs

A British Conservative MP has been arrested on suspicion of rape, police and the lawmaker said Thursday, in the latest damaging episode for the UK ruling party.

Surrey Police said the man was also detained on possession of controlled substances.

He was arrested on Wednesday morning before being released on conditional bail while the investigation continues.

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Crispin Blunt, 63, posted a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, confirming that it was he who had been arrested.

“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,” added Blunt, a former junior minister.

He is the latest Tory MP to have been arrested in recent years, with the party beset by scandal.

In May last year, it was reported that a Tory lawmaker had been arrested on suspicion of rape and misconduct in public office, among other allegations.

A Conservative MP was also arrested over rape allegations in 2020. He was never identified, and police dropped the investigation without charge.

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On Wednesday, Tory MP Peter Bone was suspended from parliament for six weeks for bullying and sexual misconduct against a staff member, a sanction that could trigger another by-election.