Crispin Blunt has been re-bailed until April after his arrest on suspicion of rape and possession of controlled substances.

The MP for Reigate was detained on October 25 in Horley in Surrey and released pending further inquiries.

He has said he will “co-operate fully” with the investigation and is “confident” he will not be charged.

On Monday, Surrey Police said that a man who was arrested on October 25 in Horley on suspicion of rape and possession of controlled substances has been re-bailed to April 23.

Mr Blunt, who served as a minister between 2010 and 2012, previously identified himself as the man the force detained and released on conditional bail.

He had the Tory whip withdrawn following arrest, meaning he is now an Independent.

Mr Blunt, 63, was first elected in 1997 and has said he does not intend to contest the next election.