Police drop rape case in opposition to ex-MP Crispin Blunt

No additional motion shall be taken in opposition to a former authorities minister after he was positioned beneath investigation on suspicion of rape.

Crispin Blunt, 64, who served as a justice minister between 2010 and 2012 and was previously MP for Reigate in Surrey, was arrested in Horley in Surrey in October 2023.

Surrey Police stated on Thursday there was “inadequate proof to proceed” and that “no additional motion” can be taken.

The power stated {that a} man in his 60s and one other in his 50s will stay beneath investigation on suspicion of possession of managed substances pending additional inquiries.

Mr Blunt stated on the time of his arrest he would “co-operate totally” with the investigation and was “assured” he wouldn’t be charged.

He was elected as Conservative MP for Reigate within the 1997 basic election, defeating the incumbent Sir George Gardiner, who had switched from the Tories to the Referendum Celebration.

He served as a justice minister from 2010 to 2012, within the whips’ workplace when the Conservatives have been in opposition and chaired the influential International Affairs Committee.

He apologised in 2022 for “important upset and concern” brought on by his defence of MP Imran Ahmad Khan, following his conviction for sexually assaulting a teenage boy.

Mr Blunt had the Tory whip withdrawn following his arrest and stood as an impartial MP.

He didn’t contest the 2024 basic election.