Rishi Sunak has responded for the primary time to allegations {that a} Tory MP dedicated a collection of rapes, saying the claims have been “very serious”.
The prime minister urged anybody with proof of legal acts to speak to the police, as he confronted questions in regards to the accusations whereas on a go to to Norfolk.
“These are very serious, anonymous allegations,” he mentioned.
“It may be that they allude to something that is already the subject of a live police investigation, so I hope you understand it wouldn’t be right for me to comment on that further specifically.
“More broadly the Conservative Party has sturdy unbiased criticism procedures in place, however I might say to anyone who has info or proof about any legal acts to in fact speak to police, that is the best plan of action.”
Mr Sunak was speaking after a report in the Mail On Sunday that former Tory chairman Sir Jake Berry had sent a letter to police, in which he revealed a number of allegations about an MP had been made known to the party, but little action had been taken.
Sir Jake had only become aware of the claims when he learned the party had paid for one of the alleged victims to receive treatment at a private hospital.
His letter, written jointly with former chief whip Wendy Morton, another MP and a Downing Street official, also claimed the failure of others in the party to act had allowed the politician at the centre of the allegations to continue offending.
Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden told Sky News on Sunday that the party had a “zero tolerance” strategy to sexual misconduct.
Speaking on Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, Mr Dowden insisted the overwhelming majority of individuals have been in parliament have been there to serve their constituents and the nation.
He additionally urged anybody with accusations of criminality to “go straight” to the police.
Pressed over whether or not there was a wider drawback at Westminster after a collection of scandals, Mr Dowden mentioned: “No, I don’t think there’s something wrong about our parliament and the vast majority of people in parliament are there to serve their constituents and to serve the nation.
“Now, in respect of a really small variety of instances, it is vital sturdy motion is taken.
“And indeed, if there are allegations, I would urge anyone to go straight to the police as a criminal matters and they should be investigated.”
Source: information.sky.com”