Conservative MP accused of rape should be named when parliament returns, says alleged victim

The alleged victim of a Conservative MP arrested on suspicion of rape is calling for his identity to be made public when parliament returns from its summer break next week.

The woman, a former Commons researcher in her 20s, is understood to want an MP or peer to use parliamentary privilege to name the suspect in the chamber of the Commons or Lords.

A friend of the woman told the Daily Mail that she believes her alleged attacker should be named in order to ensure his constituents are informed about the allegations against him.

The former minister in his 50s was arrested earlier this month and released on bail pending enquiries into allegations of rape and sexual assault. He has not been named in the media because of concerns that it might lead to the identity of his alleged victim becoming known.

The Conservative Party has refused to suspend the MP, saying that the decision will be reviewed “once the police investigation has been concluded”.

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