Parliamentary commissioner will not investigate city MP

Mike Hancock MP denies the claims

The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards will not be investigating a complaint into the conduct of a Liberal Democrat MP, a spokeswoman confirmed.

Portsmouth South MP Mike Hancock, 64, was arrested on suspicion of indecent assault over allegations of improper behaviour towards a female constituent.

His website said he went voluntarily to a police station on Tuesday. He was bailed without charge until 10 January.

The commissioner does not investigate criminal matters, the spokeswoman said.

Earlier, a Hampshire police spokesman said: "A man has been arrested on suspicion of indecent assault following a complaint from a woman in Portsmouth.

Privacy plea

"The 64-year-old man from the Fareham area was arrested at 10am on Tuesday.

"He was questioned by police following an allegation made on Friday 24 September and has been bailed until 10 January 2011."

Mr Hancock declined to comment on the details of the case involving a 36-year-old woman.

Mr Hancock said: "I can confirm that I was questioned on Tuesday 12 October by officers of the Hampshire police in relation to allegations made against me by one individual.

"I attended the police station voluntarily, co-operated fully and answered all questions that were asked. Normal processes now have to be followed by the police, which I entirely understand."

He has appealed for his family's privacy to be respected and said he intended to "carry on normally" with his work as an MP and Portsmouth city councillor.

Meanwhile, Portsmouth City Council's Conservative Group has called for Mr Hancock to be suspended.