An aide to South Thanet MP Craig Mackinlay has been charged with raping a woman in Parliament.

Sam Armstrong, 23, was arrested on October 14 last year after it is alleged he attacked a woman in an office building after a drinking session on the House of Lords’ terrace.

He was charged by Met Police this morning with two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault by penetration.

He has been bailed to appear at City of Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday, March 31.