Nadhim Zahawi Housing Minister
A Tory minister has said it is “right” for the police to investigate a rape allegation before suspending the MP claimed to be involved.
Conservative whips said they would not remove the party whip from the former minister accused of rape, sexual assault and coercive control.
The MP is believed to be in his 50s.
Business minister Nadhim Zawahi said it was a “very serious matter” and it’s “only right” to allow the police to finish their investigation.
Asked why the whip had not been withdrawn he said:
“These are very serious allegations. There is a police investigation. I don’t know the details of that police investigation.
“There’s a victim here as well.
“It’s right for us to wait until the police can do their investigation and you will be hearing from the chief whip as to what action will be taken.
“It’s a very, very serious allegation.
“It’s right that they are able to conclude their investigation.”
Mr Zahawi refused to “speculate” over the matter – adding it was “wrong to do so”.
He said: “I think it’s only right that the police get to complete their investigation and then you will hear from the chief whip and hopefully all these questions will be asked.
“I think it’s completely wrong to go any further and I apologise, but I absolutely believe that sometimes, when the details are released, people will begin to understand why the chief chip or Conservative Party has acted in a particular way.
“I think it’s only right that we allow the police to finish that investigation.”
Earlier, Labour MP Jess Phillips said not removing the whip sent a “terrible message” that senior figures were able to secure “protection” with their Westminster status.
She added: “While pending a police investigation for a sexual crime, I think it is only right that the whip is withdrawn.”
But a spokesman for Government chief whip Mark Spencer said:
“These are serious allegations and it is right that they are investigated fully.
“The whip has not been suspended.
“This decision will be reviewed once the police investigation has been concluded.”
A Metropolitan police spokesperson confirmed an investigation had started into four alleged incidents between July 2019 and January 2020.
It’s claimed the instances happened at addresses in Westminster, Lambeth and Hackney.
The Met said: “On Friday, 31 July, the Metropolitan police service received allegations relating to four separate incidents involving allegations of sexual offences and assault.
“The Met has launched an investigation into the allegations.
“A man was arrested on suspicion of rape.”
He has been released on bail until mid-August.
The Sunday Times reported the MP is alleged to have forced the woman to have sex.
It said she was “traumatised” and had to go to hospital.
A Conservative Party spokeswoman said: “We take all allegations of this nature extremely seriously.
“As this matter is now in the hands of the police it would be inappropriate to comment further.”
