UK MP Arrested on Suspicion of Rape and Child Sex Offences
A UK Member of Parliament has been arrested on suspicion of rape, child sex offences, child abduction, and misconduct in a public office.
The MP, a 65-year-old man, was taken into custody on Friday and released on conditional bail.
He was immediately suspended by the Labour Party upon notification of his arrest.
The investigation, led by a dedicated team, is ongoing and at an early stage.
The alleged offences are said to have occurred over several decades, with most taking place in the 2000s, and one alleged offence of rape occurring in the 2020s.
The victim is being supported and provided with access to specialist help.
The MP, who has served in various roles including as a junior minister and assistant whip, is also due to step down as Mayor of the West of England ahead of local elections in May. He had previously worked as an NSPCC-trained child protection officer.
The Labour Party has stated that it cannot comment further while the police investigation is ongoing.
The suspension of the MP means he is not able to sit as a Labour MP in the Commons, having had the party whip suspended.
He was immediately suspended by the Labour Party upon notification of his arrest.
The investigation, led by a dedicated team, is ongoing and at an early stage.
The alleged offences are said to have occurred over several decades, with most taking place in the 2000s, and one alleged offence of rape occurring in the 2020s.
The victim is being supported and provided with access to specialist help.
The MP, who has served in various roles including as a junior minister and assistant whip, is also due to step down as Mayor of the West of England ahead of local elections in May. He had previously worked as an NSPCC-trained child protection officer.
The Labour Party has stated that it cannot comment further while the police investigation is ongoing.
The suspension of the MP means he is not able to sit as a Labour MP in the Commons, having had the party whip suspended.
