MP arrested on suspicion of assault and coercion

A Liberal Democrat MP has been arrested on suspicion of assault and controlling and coercive behaviour, the BBC understands.

Gloucestershire Police said a man in his 40s from Tewkesbury was arrested on Wednesday before being interviewed and released on police bail.

A spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats said Tewkesbury MP Cameron Thomas had been suspended from the party "pending the outcome of a police investigation".

The BBC has contacted Thomas and the Liberal Democrats for further information on the nature of the allegations.

Gloucestershire Police said: "On Wednesday, a man in his 40s from Tewkesbury was arrested on suspicion of controlling and coercive behaviour and assault.

"The man was interviewed by officers before later being released on police bail."

A spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats said: "Cameron Thomas MP has had the party whip suspended pending the outcome of a police investigation.

"Allegations of this nature are extremely serious, and it is important that the police are able to investigate properly.

"We are unable to comment further while the police investigation is ongoing."

Thomas, 43, previously served as a RAF officer and has been the MP for Tewkesbury since the 2024 general election.

He continues to sit as an independent MP, although the BBC understands his Parliamentary access has been temporarily revoked.

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