Tory MP arrested on suspicion of raping a House of Commons researcher has bail lifted 

The senior Conservative MP arrested on suspicion of raping a House of Commons researcher has had his bail lifted, Scotland Yard said last night.

But the MP remains under investigation for assault, sexual assault and rape – with the inquiries being undertaken by the Metropolitan Police’s Complex Case Team.

In a statement, the Met said: ‘A man in his 50s was arrested on Saturday, 1st August 2020, on suspicion of rape, sexual assaults by penetration and touching and assault. 

‘He has now been released [from his bail] under investigation.’

There were reports that the move meant the MP was free to return to Westminster. 

But Commons sources insisted he had only ever voluntarily offered not to attend Parliament while the investigation was on-going.

The Mail on Sunday revealed in August that the parliamentarian – who cannot be named for legal reasons – had been arrested over allegations of sexual offences and assault.

The Conservative Party has been criticised for not suspending the MP in question but Chief Whip Mark Spencer has warned it could identify the complainant.

Labour’s Jess Phillips has said this is wrong and would not be allowed if a similar allegation had been made against a teacher.

The alleged victim, in her 20s, claims she required hospital treatment after one alleged assault.

The offences are alleged to have occurred at addresses in the London boroughs of Westminster, Lambeth and Hackney between July 2019 and January 2020.