Tory MP Andrew Rosindell speaks out after being cleared of rape: ‘Significantly out of pocket’

Tory MP Andrew Rosindell says fighting rape and sexual assault accusations over the last couple of years has left him “significantly out of pocket”.

The Met Police said a “thorough investigation” had been carried out and the evidence threshold for criminal prosecution had not been met.

The force had received a report relating to alleged offences between 2002 and 2009.

He was arrested in May 2022 on suspicion of indecent assault, sexual assault, rape, abuse of position of trust and misconduct in public office.

After being completely exonerated, Rosindell spoke on GB News about his concerns that others may find themselves in his position.

“I’m pleased to be back on GB News and I’m pleased to be back doing my role fully as a member of Parliament”, he said.

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“My concern is, anybody in public life can now be accused of something and be simply knocked out, removed from doing the job they were elected to do. Any MP can be a target. Something has to change.

“How is it right an elected member of Parliament cannot be in Parliament to do their job in full?

“It’s not a nice thing to go through. I am determined to ensure that in future, other MPs are not subjected to the same thing I had to go through.

“MPs need protection. We are abused online and also under threat of violence.

“I have lost two very close friends through violence, members of Parliament, one was murdered by terrorism. and one was murdered at his surgery, Sir David Amess, by a fanatic.”

Rosindell spoke out on the struggles involved with not being unable to carry out his task of representing his constituency during what was a time of uncertainty.

“Everyone in this country should be innocent until proven guilty”, he said.

“I’m worried now that the process becomes the punishment. It could go on for years potentially at great expense to the person being accused because they have to engage lawyers and legal advice.”

Pressed by Camilla Tominey about the cost faced and whether he has had to eat into savings while fighting to prove his innocence, he said “it’s a matter for me to resolve”.

Asked whether he’s been left “significantly out of pocket”, he said: “Of course.

“You cannot engage top lawyers to deal with a situation without having to pay for it.

“Most people would not be able to consider employing top lawyers, you would have to use legal aid which is minuscule.”

Rosindell added that it “would be nice” to speak to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak about the matter.

Since his return to Parliament, the Tory MP says his exchanges with the PM have been limited.

“I’ve got him touch with him and had two questions in PMQs”, he said.

“I haven’t spoken to him personally. It would be nice to hear from him. He can text me if he wishes.

“He has promised to come to Romford. I made him promise that in the chamber.”