An MP’s aide has been charged with two counts of rape in relation to an alleged incident in the House of Commons.

Sam Armstrong, 23, of Danbury in Essex, has been suspended as Tory MP Craig Mackinlay’s chief of staff since the allegations emerged.

Armstrong has also been charged with sexual assault by penetration in relation to the alleged attack, which is said to have taken place in October.

He has been bailed to appear at City of Westminster magistrates court on 31 March, Scotland Yard said on Thursday.

