An 18-month investigation into allegations of rape against former Justice Minister Crispin Blunt has now been dropped. In October 2023, the-then Tory MP was arrested by Surrey Police, prompting the removal of the party whip. He confirmed he was the subject of the probe at the time following reports of a Conservative parliamentarian being arrested. Blunt was subsequently bailed and stood down from parliament at the July 2024 election, with the investigation still ongoing.
However, in a statement, Surrey Police today told The Spectator that:
An investigation was launched following a report of rape in October 2023. Extensive enquiries have been carried out and a man in his 60s and a man in his 50s were arrested on 25 October 2023 in Horley in connection with the offence. It has since been determined that there is insufficient evidence to proceed and that no further action will be taken against either of the men in relation to the report of rape. However, both men will remain under investigation on suspicion of possession of controlled substances pending further enquiries. Enquiries into this matter are ongoing.
At the time of his arrest in October 2023, Blunt said that ‘I do not intend to say anything further on this matter until the police have completed their inquiries.’ He had been the MP for Reigate since 1997, and served as a justice minister under David Cameron, before later chairing the Foreign Affairs Select Committee.
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