He has not had the Conservative whip suspended but is reportedly being investigated (Picture: Getty)
A senior Tory MP has reportedly been accused of carrying out a series of serious sexual assaults.
The MP was flagged to the Metropolitan Police by a group of colleagues concerned about his behaviour on October 28, according to reports by The Sun and TalkTV.
The unnamed politician has not had the Conservative whip suspended, although the party is reported to have commissioned an independent law firm to investigate.
Scotland Yard said it had received allegations of ‘serious sexual assault’ and that officers were ‘making inquiries’.
A Times report said Tory whips were told about allegations years ago but the claims did not include rape or assault at that point.
Business minister Kevin Hollinrake said it was ‘a concern’ the party was reportedly aware of allegations for some time.
He told Times Radio an investigation needs to take place before anyone ‘rushes to judgement’.
He said: ‘If there is evidence of offences, then they should be reported to the authorities, investigations should happen.
‘If there is substance to those claims, then of course action should be taken. Processes have to be followed.
‘You have seen in the past that we have been willing to suspend people and report those matters to the relevant authorities where there is clear evidence of wrongdoing.
‘That is the proper way to go about this rather than jump to conclusions based upon a newspaper report. We have a presumption of innocence in this country.’
In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said: ‘On October 28, police received allegations of serious sexual assault reported to have taken place on unknown dates at undisclosed locations.
‘The reports were submitted via a third party. Officers are making enquiries into these allegations.’
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A group of colleagues reportedly pressed party bosses and police to investigate.
