Police failed to tell the Dover and Deal MP Charlie Elphicke about a claim of rape made against him, according to his solicitor.

Mark Haslam, who is acting for the MP, was responding to a report in the Sunday Times about the investigation which allegedly involves sexual harassment.

In a statement issued on behalf of the MP, Mr Haslam said: “At no time has any allegation of this nature been raised. In addition, I was present when Mr Elphicke was interviewed by the police and I can confirm categorically that this is the case.”

“Moreover, had a credible allegation of this nature been made against my client, it is inconceivable that the police would not have questioned him about it by now, over five months later.”

Mr Elphicke has firmly denied any wrongdoing and has previously said he is “co-operating fully” with the police in relation to the allegations.

The Sunday Times has reported the MP is alleged to have forced a former aide to have sex when they were alone together.

According to the paper, officers interviewed the MP for Dover and Deal under caution last month over allegations of “sexual touching”, but did not put the rape allegation to him — months after it was first made.

Dover and Deal Conservative Association chairman Keith Single said: "Many people will rightly ask why Charlie was not questioned about this 'allegation' when interviewed by the police.

"Charlie is innocent until proven otherwise and continues to have our full support."