TORY MP Crispin Blunt has been arrested on suspicion of rape and the possession of controlled substances.

Surrey Police said that a man had been detained on Wednesday morning before being released on conditional bail while officers continue investigating.

Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Mr Blunt admitted having been arrested “in connection with an allegation of rape,” adding that he remained “ready to co-operate fully with the investigation that I am confident will end without charge.” He did not mention drugs.

The Tory Party declined to comment on the arrest and would not say whether the MP has been asked to stay away from Parliament, as has happened in the past.

The police were unable to say whether the controlled substances were drugs, as tests are being carried out.

It is the latest in a string of arrests of sitting MPs.

In May 2022, it emerged that a Tory MP in his fifties had been arrested on suspicion of indecent assault, sexual assault, rape, abuse of position of trust and misconduct in public office.

The latest extension to his bail is to mid-February.

A Conservative MP was arrested on suspicion of rape in 2020. He was never identified and police took no further action after an investigation.