Crispin Blunt confirms his arrest on suspicion of rape

In a statement, he said: "It has been reported that an MP was arrested yesterday in connection with an allegation of rape. I am confirming that MP was me.

"The fact of the arrest requires a formal notification of the Speaker and then my Chief Whip.

"I have now been interviewed twice in connection with this incident, the first time three weeks ago when I initially reported my concern over extortion.

"The second time was earlier this morning under caution following arrest.

"The arrest was unnecessary as I remain ready to cooperate fully with the investigation that I am confident will end without charge.

"I do not intend to say anything further on this matter until the police have completed their inquiries."

A Surrey police spokesman said: "We can confirm a man was arrested yesterday morning (25 October) on suspicion of rape and possession of controlled substances.

"He has been released on conditional police bail pending further enquiries."

Blunt has had his Tory whip suspended.

This is another knock for Rishi Sunak as the party battles a string of sleaze allegations.

Just yesterday, MPs voted to suspend former Conservative minister Peter Bone for six weeks for bullying and sexual misconduct.

One allegation that was upheld against the MP included indecent exposure.

Earlier this year, the Conservative Party's former deputy chief whip Chris Pincher was removed from his seat after it was found he had groped someone in a private members club.

His Tamworth constituency was taken by Labour at last week's by-election, seeing the opposition party overturn a majority of 19,000.

Another Tory MP is also on bail over a sexual assault allegation, which he denies.

The newest allegations are not related to either of these three men.

Earlier this year, Sunak promised to remedy the sleaze crisis that had been rocking the party, saying: "I will take whatever steps are necessary to restore integrity back into politics.

"Integrity is really important to me."