All of the Tory MPs embroiled in sexual misconduct scandals in the past year

Before stepping into power, Rishi Sunak promised to lead the Conservative Party with “integrity, professionalism and accountability at every level”. But after Crispin Blunt became the eighth Tory MP this Parliament to lose the whip over allegations of sexual misconduct, senior party members were forced to deny a “cultural issue” within the party.

Previously, two former Conservative MPs have been convicted on charges of sexual assault: Charlie Elphicke, MP for Dover, was jailed for two years in 2021. Imran Ahmad-Khan, MP for Wakefield, was jailed for sexual abuse in 2022.

And the investigations into members of the Conservative party haven’t stopped there. So, as claims around another alleged rapist Tory MP break today, here’s a list of the Conservative MPs who’ve been embroiled in sexual misconduct scandals in the last year alone and what’s happened since then:

Unnamed Tory MP

This week the Mail on Sunday published a letter written by MP for Rossendale and Darwen, Sir Jake Berry, to police to make them aware an unnamed MP had allegedly assaulted as many as five people with little to no consequence, with some allegations including several claims of rape.

In the letter, Sir Jake claimed one alleged victim was receiving support paid for by the Conservative party, something deputy prime minister Oliver Dowden told Times Radio couldn’t be ruled out. “I’m not denying that it could be the case that those payments were made but it’s not something that I authorised,” he said.

Sir Jake’s letter claims “there may have been five victims of X — who have been subject to a range of offences including multiple rapes,” adding that the “failure of others to act has enabled X to continue to offend” and claims have been going on for more than two years.

Crispin Blunt

This October former justice minister and MP for Reigate, Crispin Blunt, was arrested by police on suspicion of rape and possession of drugs. He said in a statement he expected to be cleared and made a reference to an allegation of “extortion” which he’d previously reported to police. Crispin has been suspended by the Tory party pending the outcome of the police investigation and it’s understood he’s been told to stay away from parliamentary estate.

“It has been reported that an MP was arrested yesterday in connection with an allegation of rape. I am confirming that MP was me,” Crispin said. “The fact of the arrest requires a formal notification of the speaker and the chief whip. I have now been interviewed twice in connection with this incident, the first time three weeks ago when I initially reported my concern over extortion.”

Peter Bone

Also last month MP for Wellingborough, Peter Bone, was suspended from parliament for six weeks after he was accused of bullying and sexual misconduct by a former member of staff, allegations he denies and has said are “without foundation”.

Parliament’s behaviour watchdog found Peter had exposed himself to an aide and physically struck him. In an interview with the BBC, the unnamed alleged victim said “the physical, emotional and psychological abuse,” he suffered had left him a “broken shell of the young man I once was.”

Andrew Rosindell

The Times reported this July that the MP for Romford, Andrew Rosindell, has been under investigation by the Metropolitan Police since January 2020 and has not attended parliament for more than a year after being arrested for sexual offences in May 2022. He denies any wrongdoing and is on police bail, which has been extended numerous times.

Andrew confirmed he hasn’t visited the parliamentary estate since May 2022 and called the arrangement a “gentlemen’s agreement”. The offences he’s under investigation for cover a period from 2002 to 2009, when he was a whip and shadow minister.

If you or someone you know has been affected by this story contact Refuge on their free 24/7 helpline 0808 2000 247 or contact Rape Crisis online for a free confidential chat helpline.

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