Following a referral from Scotland Yard about a severe sexual assault allegation, Essex Police have started an investigation into MP Julian Knight.
It is unclear why the matter was forwarded on because the Metropolitan Police had already concluded its investigation into the Solihull MP, who had lost his Conservative whip.
“We have agreed to take on an investigation that has been referred to us from the Metropolitan Police Service,” Essex Police stated in a statement.
“We are looking into a serious sexual assault allegation.”
‘The Essex Police investigation remains at an early stage.’
Detective Chief Superintendent Andy Waldie will oversee the work carried out by a senior investigating officer with ‘extensive experience’.
Mr Knight, currently sitting in the Commons as an independent, was suspended from the Tory Party in October 2022.
He was later cleared of any wrongdoing.
Nevertheless, his demand for a return of Tory whip was rejected due to ‘further complaints’.
In response, Mr Knight accused the Whips Office of pursuing a ‘witch hunt’ against him.
He had said: ‘The police have confirmed today that there is no evidence to support that allegation and closed their investigation. They did not even need to interview me to do so.
‘Yet the Whips Office now seems intent on continuing a witch hunt against me in an attempt to prevent my naming names.’
Mr Knight has represented Solihull in the West Midlands since 2015.
In April he said he would step down at the next general election, adding: ‘I have reluctantly come to the conclusion that no job or political career is worth this.’