Gay Tory MP Ben Howlett quizzed over sex assault claims

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Gay Conservative MP Ben Howlett has been interviewed by police over a sex assault allegation.

Mr Howlett, who was elected last year as the MP for Bath, voluntarily attended a police station and was quizzed by officers after a complaint was made.

The alleged assault is said to have taken place on a man at a Eurovision Song Contest party in a pub in Mr Howlett’s Bath constituency in May.

Mr Howlett, a member of the Women and Equality Select Committee and Secretary of a cross-party group on Global LGBT Rights, denies wrongdoing.

He said: “The Sun Newspaper and others have published stories concerning allegations about me today.

“My legal team is closely looking into this. I strenuously deny any wrongdoing.

“I will be making no further comment on this matter.”

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Constabulary said: “A man aged in his 30s from Bath has voluntarily attended a police station for interview following an allegation of sexual assault.”

A spokesperson for the Conservative Party said: “While a police investigation is ongoing it would be inappropriate to comment.”

No arrests have been made.