Police have reportedly dropped an 18-month investigation into allegations of rape against the former Conservative MP Crispin Blunt.
Blunt, 64, formerly the MP for Reigate in Surrey, was arrested in October 2023 and subsequently suspended from the Conservative party after a number of anonymous reports about a Conservative MP’s arrest and alleged conduct.
After his arrest, Blunt was told to stay away from the parliamentary estate during the investigation.
Surrey police confirmed on Thursday there was “insufficient evidence to proceed” with an investigation into a man in his 60s, after “extensive inquiries” were carried out. The BBC reported that the man was Blunt.
Police said “no further action” would be taken, but confirmed an investigation into the suspicion of possession of controlled substances remained ongoing.
In a statement, Surrey police said: “An investigation was launched following a report of rape in October 2023.
“Extensive inquiries have been carried out and a man in his 60s and a man in his 50s were arrested on 25 October 2023 in Horley in connection with the offence.
“It has since been determined that there is insufficient evidence to proceed and that no further action will be taken against either of the men in relation to the report of rape.
“However, both men will remain under investigation on suspicion of possession of controlled substances pending further inquiries.”
Blunt had been released on conditional bail, which ended in April 2024.
The former justice minister and former chair of the Commons foreign affairs select committee, remained the independent MP for Reigate until the 2024 election, in which he did not stand.
He had represented the Surrey constituency since 1997, and is the uncle of the actor Emily Blunt.
Before entering politics, he spent 10 years in the military, becoming an army captain.
More than a year before he was suspended from the Conservative party, Blunt apologised for making a statement defending the then MP, Imran Ahmad Khan, who was convicted of sexual assault.
Blunt declined to comment.
