This is another embarrassing affair for the conservative party in power in Great Britain… An MP has been arrested on suspicion of rape, police confirmed on Thursday. “We can confirm that a man was arrested yesterday (Wednesday) morning (…) on suspicion of rape and possession of controlled substances,” said Surrey Police, confirming information first published by the tabloid The Sun.
The man was released on bail pending further investigation, she added. On the social network Crispin Blunt63, representative of Reigate in Surrey (south of England), admitted shortly after to being the man accused of rape.
“I confirm that I am the parliamentarian (arrested),” he wrote, adding that he had already been questioned for the first time three weeks ago. Claiming to have informed the police of his “concern” about being the victim of “extortion”, he assured “that he was ready to cooperate fully with the investigation” and said he was “confident that it will end without any charges ” against him.
He was immediately suspended by his party, according to British media, meaning he now sits as an independent in the House of Commons.
A list of sex scandals already provided
This affair is a new blow for the conservative party of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in power, largely led in the polls by the Labor opposition in the run-up to the next legislative election expected next year.
It also adds to a list of sex scandals already provided involving party members. In May 2022, a deputy – whose identity has not been revealed – suspected in particular of sexual assault and rape, was arrested then released on bail, while a former parliamentarian was sentenced the same month to 18 months in prison for the sexual assault of a teenager.
A member of the government, Chris Pincher, also had to resign in mid-2022, accused of touching two men. His ouster helped precipitate the departure from Downing Street of Boris Johnson, who admitted to having been aware of the accusations against Chris Pincher when he appointed him.
On Wednesday, another MP was suspended for six weeks over accusations of sexual misconduct towards a parliamentary employee. A petition will take place in his constituency, and he will have to resign if 10% of voters decide so. This would lead to a by-election which would be difficult for the Conservatives, who have just lost two by-elections to Labor.