The Conservative Party in Britain has confirmed that the whip will not be removed from a Tory MP reportedly under police investigation over rape allegations.
A spokesman for Tory party Chief Whip Mark Spencer said: "These are serious allegations and it is right that they are investigated fully.
"The whip has not been suspended.
"This decision will be reviewed once the police investigation has been concluded."
According to reports, the former minister has been arrested after a former parliamentary aide accused him of rape, sexual assault and coercive control.
The MP, who has not been named, is alleged to have assaulted a woman and forced her to have sex, the Sunday Times and Mail on Sunday said.
The abuse is alleged to have taken place during a relationship.
The Metropolitan Police said they received allegations on Friday of sexual offences and assault relating to four separate incidents at addresses in London, including in Westminster, between July last year and January this year.
A spokesman for the Met said: "The Met has launched an investigation into the allegations."
A man was arrested on Saturday on suspicion of rape and was taken into custody at an east London police station, the force added.
He has been released on bail to a date in mid-August.
Labour has said it is "shocking" that the MP has not had the whip suspended.
Shadow minister Jess Phillips told Times Radio it sent a "terrible message" that senior figures were still able to secure "protection" with their Westminster status.
She added: "While pending a police investigation for a sexual crime, I think it is only right that the whip is withdrawn."
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said he did not know the name of the MP involved, but added that he was "confident" the party was taking the matter seriously.
"I've read the accusations in the newspapers this morning but I don't know more than you do in that respect," the cabinet minister told Times Radio.
"These are very serious allegations and they should be investigated.
"They're in the hands of the police, so I don't think I can comment any more than that."
Asked whether he personally wanted to see the Tory whip removed from the MP under police investigation, Mr Jenrick said: "We need to take allegations of this nature very seriously and I'm confident that the party is, and will do."
