A British Conservative Party MP has been arrested on suspicion of rape and sexual assault.
The unnamed man was also arrested on allegations of abuse of position of trust and misconduct in a public office, London's Metropolitan Police said.
Tory chief whip Chris Heaton-Harris — whose role is to ensure that members of the Conservative Party attend and vote as its leadership desires — has asked the MP involved not to attend Parliament while the investigation is continuing.
A statement from the whips' office said: “The chief whip has asked that the MP concerned does not attend the Parliamentary estate while an investigation is ongoing.
“Until the conclusion of the investigation we will not be commenting further.”
The Met Police previously said the alleged sexual offences are said to have taken place in London between 2002 and 2009.
The arrest comes amid renewed scrutiny of sleaze in Westminster after a string of cases.
Former Conservative MP Imran Ahmad Khan quit the Commons this month after being convicted of sexually assaulting a boy.
David Warburton had the Conservative whip withdrawn after allegations of sexual harassment and cocaine use emerged.
Over the past year, about 15 MPs are expected to have been investigated by Parliament’s Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme watchdog that examines allegations of bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct.
