Police are seeking to extend a Tory MP’s bail period while he remains under investigation for rape and other sexual offences – a year after his initial arrest.

The man, who is in his 50s, was arrested on May 17, 2022, on suspicion of rape, sexual assault, indecent assault, abuse of a position of trust and misconduct in a public office.

He was initially bailed until June 2022, then August, then November, then February 2023, and then May.

In a new statement, the Metropolitan Police said: “An extension to his bail is being sought.”

In the meantime, Newsquest has confirmed that the MP has been reselected by his local association to contest his seat in the next general election.

But he cannot be named for legal reasons.

Police were initially approached in January 2020 with “a report relating to alleged sexual offences having been committed between 2002 and 2009”.”

All of the offences are alleged to have occurred in London.

The case is being handled by officers in the Central Specialist Crime team.

“Enquiries remain ongoing,” the force said.