UK MP faces sexual assault investigation by police

LONDON — A senior MP is being investigated by police over an allegation of serious sexual assault.

Julian Knight was elected as a Conservative MP but he was stripped of the party whip last December after being reported to the Metropolitan Police over the allegations.

The Met said in April they were no longer investigating, but Essex Police confirmed Tuesday they are now investigating an allegation of serious sexual assault, referred to them by the Metropolitan Police.

The Conservatives refused to restore the whip to Knight after the Met dropped the case, with the party saying at the time that it had received further complaints.

Knight has denied what he described as a “false and malicious accusation.”

Essex Police said in a statement: “We have agreed to take on an investigation which has been referred to us from the Metropolitan Police Service.

“We are investigating an allegation of serious sexual assault. Detectives who specialise in cases of this kind will gather evidence and conduct a thorough investigation.”

Knight continues to sit in the Commons as an independent and has announced that he will stand down at the next election.

He has strongly denied any wrongdoing and claims his name has been “tarnished.”

Conservative Party bosses were already aware of the probe by Essex Police, according to three people close to the process, and are assisting officers with their enquiries.