No action over MP sex assault claims

No action is to be taken against Conservative MP Andrew Bridgen over allegations of sexual assault, it was revealed today.

Mr Bridgen, 46, was arrested in the early hours of the morning last Thursday after a 29-year-old woman made a complaint to police. After questioning, he was released on bail to return in mid-July.

The North West Leicestershire MP vigorously denied any wrongdoing and co-operated with a police inquiry into the claim.

Today, he was informed by Scotland Yard that the case is being dropped and he will not face charges.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "A 46-year-old man, arrested on Thursday June 9 on suspicion of sexual assault against a 29-year-old woman at an address in SW1, was today, Thursday June 16, released from bail with no further action."

In a statement, Mr Bridgen said he would be taking legal advice about possible action "against those responsible for making and publicising these falsehoods".

The MP said: "I very much welcome today's announcement from the Metropolitan Police in relation to an allegation which was recently made against me.

"The complainant has today confirmed in an interview with the Metropolitan Police that no offence occurred.

"There is therefore no complaint to answer and the police will be taking no action against me.

"From the outset, I said that the allegation was without foundation, demonstrably and provably false, and I was wholly confident that the outcome of the police investigation would see me exonerated.

"Naturally, I remain hurt and angry that such a ludicrous, false and unsubstantiated allegation should have been given the attention it has.

"The allegation was unfair and hurtful not just to myself but to my wife and children, who bore the brunt of huge and unwarranted media intrusion.

"It was also worrying to my friends and disruptive to the work of my constituency.

"I will now be taking further legal advice about possible action against those responsible for making and publicising these falsehoods.

"Finally I would like to take this opportunity to thank the great number of people who have sent me messages of support during these past few difficult and testing days, particularly political colleagues from all political parties: your friendship and support have meant a great deal to me.

"The biggest debt of gratitude, however, is to my family for their love, unwavering support and steadfast belief in my innocence."