Conservative MP Damian Green arrested by police

Damian Green, the Conservative MP for Ashford and Shadow Immigration Minister, has been arrested by the police, apparently over leaks from the Home Office about immigration matters, according to Sky and other news sources.

Damian Green’s London and constituency homes, along with his Westminster and constituency offices have been searched, although he has not been charged.

The investigation is into an allegation of “conspiring to cause misconduct in public office”.

UPDATE:

The Conservative Party’s statement is:

We can confirm that Damian Green was arrested earlier today in connection with his work as Opposition spokesman for immigration. Mr Green was arrested in Kent and taken for questioning at a central London police station. Officers from the Metropolitan Police also entered the House of Commons to search Mr Green’s parliamentary office. His home and constituency office were also searched. As shadow immigration minister, Mr Green has, on a number of occasions, legitimately revealed information which the Home Office chose not to make public. Disclosure of this information was manifestly in the public interest. Mr Green denies any wrongdoing and stands by his actions.

The Daily Telegraph reports:

The arrest follows a series of leaks to the Conservatives about Government policy, including a sensitive memorandum from the Home Office’s most senior official on crime figures earlier this month.

David Cameron, the Conservative leader, is said to be “extremely angry” about the arrest and has privately accused the Government of “Stalinesque” behaviour.

Mr Green is understood to have been arrested at lunchtime today and is still in custody. He has not been charged.

Green has been arrested after obtaining leaked Whitehall documents. Police searched his family home and his office in the House of Commons.

He was arrested for “aiding and abetting misconduct in public office”.

It is claimed that nine counter-terrorism officers were involved in the arrest.

Mr Cameron has pledged his full support for the shadow immigration minister. In a statement he said: “Disclosure of this information was manifestly in the public interest. Mr Green denies any wrongdoing and stands by his action.”

However, the arrest of such a senior Conservative figure who hopes to become a Home Office minister will embarrass the opposition. He is now likely to face pressure to resign from the Tory front bench.