The Met say there was insufficient evidence to take further action
Police have confirmed they have dropped a rape investigation into a Conservative Party MP.
The former government minister was arrested on suspicion of rape back on August 1st, and subsequently released on bail.
However, the Metropolitan Police have now said the case will not be taken further as it hasn’t met “the evidential test”.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson released a statement that confirmed no further action would be taken.
The statement read: “Following a thorough investigation, and based on all evidence made available to officers, the decision was taken that the case did not meet the evidential test and no further action will be taken. The complainant has been made aware of the decision.”
The MP, who is believed to be in his 50s, did not return to take his seat in the House of Commons after the parliamentary recess ended on September 1st.
Many called for the Conservative Party to suspend the MP, but Chief Whip Mark Spencer disagreed, stating it was for the police to investigate.
The claims were made by a female ex-parliamentary worker in her 20s. In the wake of the MP’s initial arrest, the Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said that parliament needed to be a safe place for women to work.
Speaking to Times Radio, Jenrick said:
“There has clearly been some very difficult allegations and cases in recent years.
“We need to make sure, like any other workplace, it is one that’s fit for everybody, where everybody feels safe and comfortable working, and when allegations are raised they are treated with the seriousness they deserve.”
Asked whether the Tory whip should have been removed from the MP while under police investigation, Jenrick said: “We need to take allegations of this nature very seriously and I’m confident that the party is, and will do.”
